Cataract Symptoms
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most
cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By
age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had
cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to
the other.
Symptoms of a Cataract
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
- Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights.
- Poor night vision.
- Cloudy or blurry vision.
- Colors seem faded.
- Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.)
- Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Different Types of a 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.
Cataracts don't typically cause any change in the appearance of your eye or
in the production of tears. Pain, redness, itching, irritation, aching in your
eye or a discharge from your eye aren't signs or symptoms of a cataract, but may
be signs and symptoms of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional.
Cataract Symptoms to C
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