What Are the Early Signs of Cataracts? Causes, Stages & Treatment

Cataracts affect millions worldwide. Around 65 million people in India alone suffer from visual impairment due to cataracts (WHO). Approximately 24 million people in the U.S. aged 40 and older have cataracts. And it is projected that by 2050, this number will rise to 50 million (CDC). 

Unfortunately, many ignore early signs of cataracts. If you ignore signs of cataracts and leave it untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness.

Seeking timely consultation with an eye specialist at the best eye hospital can make a significant difference in preserving your eyesight. Advanced treatments, including cataract treatment, LASIK treatment, and even retina surgery, are available to restore clear vision.

Early detection and treatment will prevent complications. We are sharing a complete guide towards signs and symptoms of eye cataract and how you can avoid the risk of losing eyesight.

What is Cataract?

When the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, the medical condition is called Cataract. It causes blurry or unclear vision. This happens as people age. But the beginning signs of cataracts can also develop due to injury or illness. Younger people can develop them too. So let’s find out its types and how to avoid the risk.

Types of Cataracts:

1. Nuclear Cataract: 

These are the most common type of cataract seen in older adults. Sign symptoms of cataracts of this kind are cloudy-center of the lens. It causes gradual blurriness and difficulty seeing in dim light. Over time, these early signs of eye cataracts may also cause a yellowing or dulling of colours.

2. Traumatic Cataract:

It develops after an eye trauma. What is the first sign of cataracts of this kind? The damage may not cause immediate clouding of the lens. But it can form years after the injury. These cataracts can happen from:

• Accidents
• Surgeries
• Chemical Burns 
• Sometimes leading to long-term vision problems.

3. Radiation Cataract:

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from sunlight or eye disease complications like radiation therapy, can cause radiation cataracts. The sign symptoms of cataract appear usually also in people who spend a lot of time outdoors without eye protection. This kind tends to develop gradually and may affect one or both eyes. Long-term UV exposure is a leading cause of cataracts.

4. Congenital Cataract:

Congenital cataracts are present at birth or form in early childhood. The early signs of cataracts in this case may appear right after birth or a little later. These can be due to genetic factors or infections from the mother during pregnancy. Some congenital cataracts don’t affect vision, but others may cause eye-sight issues in later age. So best is to get it treated in time. Sometimes these require surgery in early childhood itself.

What Causes Cataracts? The Risk Factors that May Cause Cataracts:

By 2050, the global cataract prevalence is expected to rise to 45 million (WHO). Cataracts develop naturally as we get older. Other causes are: 

• Too much UV light without protection can harm the eyes. Light sensitivity also causes cataract. 
• Uncontrolled diabetes which means high blood sugar levels will increase the cataract formation.
• Smoking increases oxidative damage to the lens.
• Family history can raise the risk.
• Trauma to the eye may lead to cataracts.
• Long-term steroid use can cause them. This would come under eye disease complications or any other body complication that is being medically treated. Avoid self-medication for the same reasons.

What are the Early Signs of Cataracts:

As per the National Eye Institute, around 50% of people over 75 experience early symptoms of cataracts. So what is the first sign of cataracts?  

• Vision becomes cloudy or blurry due to cloudy lens (especially at night).
• Bright lights can cause discomfort or halo effects. So get yourself checked for Light sensitivity.
• You may see things with a yellowish tint.
• Seeing double images from one object.
• Needing new prescriptions more often.
• Any eye disease complications

Stages of Cataracts:

1. Early Cataracts:

Early Cataracts begin to form as small cloudy areas in the lens. So, what is the first sign of cataracts here? Vision may seem blurry and bright lights can cause glare. You might notice trouble reading small print or seeing at night. Around 20% of people over 40 may experience early cataracts. This number increases with age, reaching nearly 50% by age 75. 

2. Immature Cataract:

Immature Cataracts are when the cloudiness in the lens becomes more noticeable. Or it is leading to blurry or foggy vision. The sign symptoms of cataract – you may struggle with colors and experience glare, especially at night. Your vision may change from day to day. At this stage, the cataract can still be managed with glasses or eye drops.
About 35% of people with cataracts are in the immature stage. Around 2 million new cataract cases are diagnosed each year globally.

3. Mature Cataract:

Mature Cataract causes almost complete clouding of the lens, resulting in very blurred or even near-total vision loss. Tasks like reading, driving and recognizing faces become very difficult. At this stage, cataract surgery becomes a must. Nearly 60% of patients diagnosed with cataracts will progress to the mature stage. More than 20 million cataract surgeries take place per year, worldwide.

4. Hypermature Cataract:

In hypermature cataract, the lens becomes extremely clouded and shrunk. If you ignore early signs of eye cataracts, vision can be severely impaired. The eye lens may start to leak proteins. Surgery is more complicated at this stage. It also may lead to other complications like glaucoma if not treated. Only about 5% of cataract patients reach this stage. Hypermature cataracts can cause more severe complications, including retinal damage.

What Does Vision Look Like With Cataracts?

With cataracts, everything looks blurry, like looking through dirty or foggy glass. Colors seem dull, and bright lights can feel too strong. It becomes hard to read, drive, or see people’s faces clearly. Over time, vision gets worse, making daily life more difficult.

Are Cataracts Preventable?

Cataracts can’t always be fully prevented, especially if they run in your family. Other tips to prevent it are:

• Lifestyle changes – avoid going out in Sunlight without using sunglasses
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding smoking
• Regular eye tests after age 60
• Managing diabetes or other health issues

Cataract Treatment:

The primary treatment for cataracts is surgery. The ophthalmic doctor detects early signs of cataracts and then removes the cloudy lens. It is replaced with a clear, artificial lens. It’s a safe and effective solution with fast recovery time. You must take this step to further avoid any eye loss or face painful signs and symptoms of eye cataracts. Most patients are able to see better within days.

• Before surgery, glasses will reduce cataract symptoms. 
• After the surgery, always follow the doctor’s advice. Avoid heavy lifting and not straining your eyes. 

When to Seek Medical Advice for Cataracts?

• If your vision becomes blurry, cloudy
• If you notice difficulty reading
• If you face odds while driving at night or seeing in bright light
• If you find yourself needing frequent changes to your glasses prescription

Conclusion:

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide, with over 20 million performed annually (WHO). There is nothing to worry about because it is easily treatable. But then can be successful only if there is early detection of signs of cataracts.

Regular eye check-ups at a reputed contact lens clinic can help in early detection. Additionally, advanced treatment options, including cataract surgery, are available at specialized eye hospitals. For those in need, an eye bank can provide donor corneas, restoring vision in severe cases. Post-surgery care, including prescribed medications from a trusted pharmacy plays a crucial role in recovery.

So, if you’re noticing vision changes, don’t wait – consult the best eye hospital in Indore. Taking immediate action at beginning signs of cataracts, can help you improve your overall well-being.

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