It’s easy to confuse cloudy and blurry vision. While blurry vision is a lack of sharpness in your vision, cloudy vision is best described as a haziness or dullness in what you can see. Cloudy vision is caused by a lack of transparency in your eye, in particular the lens. It can also be caused by diabetes, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration.
Halos are a small circle that is around a source of light, such as headlights. They happen mostly during the evening or when it is dark outside. Glare is light that seems too bright and does not help you see better. It can happen either during the day or night and can cause your eyes to be teary due to the too intense light source.
Double vision from cataracts can be in one or both eyes. If it’s in both eyes, then you have cataracts in both eyes. Try this test: cover one eye at a time and notice if you still see double. If you do, then it could be the cataract. iI the double vision goes away after you cover one eye, you may actually have an ocular alignment problem (strabismus) instead of cataract as the cause of the double vision. When your double vision is due to cataracts, it’s an issue with your lens rather than your eye muscle or cornea. The main difference between double vision from cataracts or other issues is that light will be a factor in your double vision.
Proteins from your lens can build up and change your prescription. This may be a sign of fluctuating blood sugar as well. [3] X Research source Cataracts could cause changes in prescription based on your vision quality. If your vision is changing regularly alongside other symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your optometrist.
Your optometrist will ask you questions about your vision such as what symptoms you’re having and how long you’ve experienced them. They will also perform a standard eye exam by using the eye chart and the viewing device to determine if you need corrective lenses.
The slit refers to an intense line of light that your optometrist uses. Along with magnification, this helps your optometrist examine each section of the cornea, iris, and lens. If cataracts are visible at this test, your optometrist may perform additional tests or diagnose you at this time. In either case, they will need to know the severity of the cataracts for a full plan of treatment.
When you’re given a pupil dilation test, special drops are placed in your eye to dilate the pupil. The doctor may use either an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp for this examination. Since the pupils are artificially dilated, your doctor will probably recommend sunglasses for your trip home to avoid excessive UV exposure to the eye.
Tonometry tests can be electronic, contact, or non-contact. The most familiar tonometry test is the eye puff test, in which a small puff of air flattens your cornea to check for increased eye pressure. [7] X Research source The tonometry test also tests for glaucoma. Since many of the symptoms of cataracts can also be symptoms of glaucoma, it’s a good idea to make sure this is not your problem instead of cataracts.
Your ophthalmologist may suggest corrective lenses if your cataracts are not severe; however, in many cases, cataracts are serious enough to require surgery. Surgery for cataracts is generally a routine, outpatient procedure. In this surgery, your ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. After the surgery, you’ll want to have someone drive you home. Your vision may be blurry for a while after the surgery; however, if it’s still blurry after a few hours or if you experience any pain, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. [9] X Research source
While some risk factors for cataracts can be prevented, others are inevitable with age. If you’re at an advanced age, you’ll want to get checked for cataracts on a regular basis. Some risk factors for cataracts can be prevented. A change in diet, management of diabetes or blood pressure, or ceasing drinking or smoking can minimize your risks for diabetes.
Our eyes’ lenses become thicker with age, making them less transparent and less flexible. This can lead to cataracts due to protein build up. Cataracts are pretty common in older people. If you’re over 40, it’s important to get checked for cataracts on a regular basis.
Since one of the major causes of cataracts is cumulative exposure to sunlight, a simple precaution is to wear sunglasses that block UV rays. Wearing a hat with a brim can decrease exposure by 30 – 50 percent. High altitude can also contribute to cataracts due to overexposure to sunlight. If you live at a high altitude, it’s especially important to keep your eyes protected from the sun.
Diabetes can cause a number of eye-related illnesses. High blood sugar creates the conditions for cataract development. [14] X Research source Obesity or high blood pressure can also cause cataracts. Losing weight and taking blood pressure medicine can potentially reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.
Smoking cigarettes can double your chances of developing cataracts. Additionally, the longer you smoke, the worse your risks are for cataracts. [15] X Research source More than two drinks per day can potentially increase your risks for cataracts. However, moderate drinking can actually reduce your chances.
