Cataract Causes And Symptoms: Frequently Asked Questions

Cataract symptoms and cataract causes are matters of interest especially for older people. This is because most cataracts develop when aging alters the tissue that makes up your eye’s lens.

Cataracts usually develop slowly, progressively clouding your vision in one or both eyes. There are quite a few causes of the cataracts, and one of the causes is diabetes, so if you have diabetes, getting the right diabetes care is vital.

What Are The Cataract Symptoms?

At first, cloudy or blurred vision caused by a cataract may affect only a small part of the eye. As the cataract grows bigger, vision loss increases, leading potentially to blindness. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but not at the same rate, causing a difference in vision between eyes.

Cataract symptoms include increasing difficulty with vision at night, and sensitivity to light and glare. You may get double vision in a single eye or notice the yellowing of colors. Another sign is the need for a brighter light for reading, and/or seeing “halos” around lights. Get an eye exam if you notice any changes in your vision or experience sudden eye pain.

Inside of eye visualizing cataracts

What Causes Cataracts?

The causes of cataracts include inherited genetic disorders, various eye conditions, previous eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. The long-term use of steroids can also put you at greater risk of developing cataracts.

A primary cause of cataracts is aging. With age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, with tissues breaking down and clumping together. This leads to less transparent and thicker lenses and impaired vision.

Risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, and previous eye injury or inflammation.

What May Happen If A Cataract Is Left Untreated?

If you suspect you might be developing a cataract, contact your eye doctor immediately for an eye exam. The earlier you spot the onset of a cataract the more likely you are to be able to take remedial action. Don’t just carry on as normal and hope your vision will improve by itself.

A specialist can assess your overall health to determine the relevant symptoms and causes of the different types of cataract. You can then discuss the best course of action to ensure your vision stays as good as it can be.

At Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn, we offer medication management, as well as diabetes care, including tailored meals. We offer relaxed, stress-free rehabilitation therapies in a convivial setting. Our friendly, multilingual and motivated staff pride themselves on delivering professional services to help you understand and tackle the symptoms of your cataracts. In addition, we offer fun activities which you can enjoy with your peers. These include games, knitting, singalongs, dancing, live music and other forms of entertainment. This keeps you from being isolated and is good for your mental health and overall well-being.

Feel free to call us to talk about the services we provide. We accept most insurance plans and we will explain and talk you through the various options.

This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.