How can you tell if you have cataracts?

The symptoms of cataracts can include some or all of the following:  

• the need for more light to do ordinary tasks
• cloudy, foggy, filmy, hazy, or blurry vision 
• loss of night vision, glare from headlights blinds you 
• sensitivity to glare during the day
• poor depth perception 
• loss of contrast sensitivity, colors appear dull and less vivid or bright 
• Nearsightedness (in older people) 
• double vision in affected eye 
• trouble with eyeglasses not working well

Can you see cataracts in the mirror?

At the later stages, when you look in the mirror, you might see a milky white covering over the pupil.

How long do Cataracts take to develop?

Most age-related cataracts typically develop over a span of years, even decades. It’s a comparatively slow process. There are types of cataracts, though, that may develop faster, such as cataracts caused by diabetes, trauma, illness, or radiation where they can develop rapidly in younger adults or even children. These types of cataracts may require treatment within a few years of the initial diagnosis, rather than decades. 

What will happen if cataract is left untreated?

Untreated cataracts can lead to hyper-mature cataracts, which in turn, can lead to total blindness. Delaying treatment of age-related cataracts can increase a seniors’ risk of both physical and psychological damage due to permanent blindness. For seniors, all surgery is risky, but having hyper-mature cataracts is a condition that makes removal more difficult and may cause surgical complications. As soon as cataracts are diagnosed, whether age-related, congenital, or whether due to injury or sickness, a qualified eye doctor should be consulted to determine when surgery is indicated.

If you have a cataract don’t delay. Contact us at (843) 553–2477 to speak with a specialist that can find the answers you need and walk you through the entire process.