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What are the symptoms of cataracts?
The only way to know if you have cataracts for certain is when your
ophthalmologist does a dilated eye exam. Get a baseline exam at age 40, when
early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Your doctor will let you know how often you should return for follow-up exams. At
any point, if you have symptoms or risks for eye disease, see your doctor.
Because your risk for cataracts and other eye diseases increases as you get
older, starting at age 65 you should see your doctor every year. A
complete eye examination will rule out any other condition that may be
causing blurred vision or eye problems.
Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. As a result, you may not
immediately notice changes in your vision when cataracts first develop. In time, you may have symptoms such as:
- Painless clouded, blurry or dim vision;
- Increasing difficulty seeing at night or in low light;
- Sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights;
- Colors seem faded or yellowed;
- The need for brighter light for reading and other activities;
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription; or
- Double vision within one eye.
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| Above: Dulled or yellowed vision from cataracts. |
Above: Blurring or dimming vision from cataracts. |
Above: Distortion or ghost images from cataracts. |
Other Types of Cataract
Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of
cataract:
- Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye
problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have
other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to
steroid use.
- Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes
years later.
- Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them
in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they
do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
- Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of
radiation.
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