If you are experiencing a clouding in your vision, you could be among the millions of Americans suffering from cataracts. Cataracts are among the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 40 and a primary cause of blindness globally. As it is such a significant concern for the elderly, everyone should understand the condition and how to avoid this problem. 

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the usually transparent lens of the eye. People with cataracts see through cloudy lenses. It is like looking through a fogged-up or frosty window. Clouded vision can make it more challenging to drive a car, read, see the expression on another person’s face, and more. 

Cataracts tend to develop slowly and do not affect eyesight early on. Eventually, they will start to impair your vision. At first, eyeglasses and better lighting can help you deal with the problem. However, cataract surgery may be necessary if impaired vision interferes with your normal activities. Fortunately, this surgical procedure is generally effective and safe.

Symptoms of Cataracts

The most common signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

 

• Clouded, dim, or blurred vision
   

• Glare and light sensitivity
   

• Double vision in one eye
   

• Impaired night vision
   

• Halos around lights
   

• Requiring brighter light for various activities
   

• Yellowing or fading of colors
   

• Frequently needing to change prescription eyewear

Cloudy Vision

Cloudy vision is when things you look at appear hazy or milky. It is as if you were looking through an unclean piece of glass or a thin film. Cloudy vision can dull your perception of colors, create halos around lights, and distort the edges of an image. 

Initially, the cloudiness may affect only a tiny portion of the lens. So, you may not notice any vision loss. As your condition worsens, your cataract will grow and cloud more of your lens. That will distort the light passing through your eye’s lens, leading to more pronounced symptoms. 

Cloudy Vision Vs. Blurred Vision

You may experience cloudy and blurred vision due to the same underlying eye condition, such as cataracts. There is a difference between these two symptoms. Cloudy vision is when things appear like they are behind a layer of haze or foggy window. On the other hand, blurred vision is when things appear soft around the edges or out of focus.

Is Cloudy Vision Intermittent With Cataracts?

Most cataracts develop gradually and start to affect vision as they grow. They can develop in both eyes but at different rates. So, a cataract in one eye may develop slower than in the other, causing differences in vision between your eyes. That can make it seem like your cloudy vision is coming and going. 

But as the cataract continues to grow, vision cloudiness will worsen. The cataract will block and scatter the light passing through your lens. That will prevent sharply defined images from reaching your retina, leading to blurry vision. 

It would be best to see an eye doctor whenever you notice any change in your eyesight, such as cloudy vision. Your doctor will give you a thorough eye exam to determine whether you have a cataract. Based on the results, your eye doctor will recommend the best action. 

For more on cataracts, visit Clarity Vision at our Williamston, North Carolina office. Call (252) 792-2250 to schedule an appointment today.