Cataracts

The simplest definition of a cataract is that it is a clouding of the lens of your eye. The lens is normally clear in a healthy eye. This clouding normally develops slowly over time and symptoms may at first be nearly imperceptible. Cloudiness may start out in only a small part of the eye and may not initially be noticeable. They will, however, usually become more advanced over a period of time.

Cataracts may cause a change of color in one or both of the eyes. Your eyes may begin to look yellowish or even light brown in color. Eyes that are sensitive to light are sometimes one of the first signs that you have cataracts. Lamps, car headlights, and even sunlight that didn’t seem to bother you before, may suddenly seem to be too bright. If you are experiencing increased problems seeing well and driving safely when it is dark, it is probably a good idea to get tested for cataracts.

If you find that you need to increase your contact or glasses strength on a frequent basis this could be an indication that you have cataracts. Seeing double images could be a sign of several serious health problems as well as a symptom of cataracts. Monocular double vision can cause several images to appear in one of the eyes, but not the other eye. Multiple images that occur in one eye are often caused by cataracts.

Difficulty seeing colors is another symptom of having cataracts. Colors may appear to fade and not be as vibrant as they once were. There can also be a yellowing of colors that are seen. When suffering from cataracts it may seem as if there is a glaze or a permanent film that is covering the eyes. It might feel as if a sheer, transparent layer is covering one or both of the eyes.