A cortical cataract begins as whitish, wedge-shaped opacities or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex. As it slowly progresses, the streaks extend to the center and interfere with light passing through the center of the lens. Cataracts that affect the back of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts).
Very early cataracts involve the slightest of changes. You may notice increasing blurriness. Your eye will most likely look clear and normal. You may experience a lag in clarity when switching between looking at something far away and nearby.
Cataracts are not always visible. Can you see them in the mirror? It's not likely. Cataracts actually take years to develop.
Cloudy or blurry vision
This is the most common symptom of cataracts. It can affect both distance and reading vision which may appear foggy. If left untreated, the clouding of the lens means the cataract will worsen, with less light able to get through the lens.
What happens if cataracts are left untreated? Untreated cataracts will eventually block light from entering the eye and result in a loss of vision. Worldwide, they are the leading cause of blindness.
Although it's never too late to have a cataract removed, it is better to have cataracts removed while they are immature, as this reduces the length of surgery and the recovery time. Earlier removal also means that you avoid the significant visual impairment associated with very mature (hypermature) cataracts.
In the case of age-related cataracts, the condition usually progresses slowly over a number of months or years. While some patients can be tempted to wait until their vision is sufficiently affected, you may also undergo surgery to fully restore your vision at any stage of cataract development.
Heightened Light Sensitivity – If you're experiencing discomfort with bright lights, you may be in the early stages of cataracts. Squinting, needing to quickly close your eyes or even the development of headaches from flashes or bright lights are all early signs of cataracts.
The operation can be performed at any stage of cataract development. There is no need to wait until your cataract is “ripe” before removing it. Most people choose to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision starts to cause them difficulties in everyday life.
Trauma-related cataracts are typically the most fast-growing type of cataracts. Radiation: Radiation-related cataracts, sometimes listed under trauma-related cataracts, occur after the lens has been exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can result in clouded vision in as little as two years.
If a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your normal activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery. When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem, cataract surgery may be recommended.
Blurry vision
When you have cataracts, one of the most common symptoms is blurry vision. This occurs because the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy and harder to see through. Proteins in the lens, which are normally separate from each other, begin to clump together in the center of the lens.
Age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts. Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old. Where you live. Recent studies have shown that people who live in high altitudes are more at risk of developing cataracts.
Stage 2: The Immature Stage
At this stage, lens opacity is enough to noticeably obstruct vision.
But can you reverse early-stage cataracts if you address the problem quickly enough? Unfortunately, there is no option to reverse cataracts.
Depending on the type of cataract surgery and artificial lenses you have implanted, you may be able to see better than you have in a while. With advanced technology intraocular lens implants, your vision may be corrected entirely so that you can see fine print, far away, and at night without glasses or contacts.
No, your vision generally doesn't deteriorate after cataract surgery unless other problems arise, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.
Cataract surgery is not a painful procedure. If you ask a friend or colleague who might have had cataract surgery, they'll tell you that they feel a slight stinging sensation when we first place drops inside the eye at the start of the operation. But very soon after that, the eye is completely numb.
Even though surgery is the only treatment for removing cataracts, this doesn't mean everyone with cataracts requires surgery. Some people with mild cataracts can correct their vision with prescription glasses and contact lenses. They can also manage with brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, and magnifying lenses.
Here are some things that you may want to avoid before and after cataract surgery to ensure that you heal properly. Avoiding eating and drinking before your surgery. Don't wear makeup to the surgery appointment, and avoid wearing makeup until your ophthalmologist allows it so that you can better prevent infection.
Blurry vision at any distance is the most common symptom of cataracts. Your view may look foggy, filmy, or cloudy. Over time, as the cataracts get worse, less light reaches the retina. People with cataracts may have an especially hard time seeing and driving at night.