Symptoms of Cataracts

CHICAGO, IL, November 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness in people over the age of 40, and the primary cause of vision loss in people around the world. There are more people with cataracts worldwide than there are cases of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration combined.

Types of Cataracts

There are three main types of cataracts, including:

- Subcapsular cataract - This cataract occurs at the back of your eye's natural lens. If you have a high degree of myopia, diabetes, or take high doses of steroids, you have a greater chance of developing subcapsular cataracts. This type of cataract is more common in younger individuals.
- Nuclear cataract - This type of cataract forms deep within your lens's nucleus (central zone). Nuclear cataracts are usually associated with aging.
- Cortical cataract - White opacities shaped like wedges begin in the peripheral area of your lens and work their way toward the center, much like spokes. These cataracts occur in your lens cortex: the area of your lens that surrounds the central nucleus.

Today, cataracts affect over 22 million Americans. As the current population continues to age, experts predict that around 30 million Americans will have cataracts by the year 2020. Cataract extraction is the most common surgery performed in the United States and also the most successful.

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts usually start out small, having little to no effect on your overall vision. However, over time, you may begin to notice that your vision is blurred, as if you are looking through a cloudy piece of glass, or at an impressionist painting.

Cataracts also tend to make light appear too bright. This is especially noticeable at night while driving; oncoming headlights can cause significant glare or a "halo" effect.

Other symptoms to look out for include:

- Double vision in one eye
- Colors appear faded
- Constant changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Dim vision
- Distorted vision

The type of cataract you have will directly affect the symptoms you experience, and how soon they start to occur. For example, when nuclear cataracts first develop, they may temporarily improve your near vision. This effect is called "second sight." Unfortunately, this improvement does not last very long. As the cataract worsens, the effects will fade away.

If you would like more information about cataract symptoms, please visit the website of Dr. Mark Golden at Doctors For Visual Freedom at www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com.