The Doctor's Doctor - Dr. Mandel

Telltale Signs of Cataracts

According to the National Eye Institute, about half of Americans have a cataract or have had a cataract by the age of 75. Since cataracts are so common in older adults, Bay Area laser eye surgeon Mark Mandel, MD,

thought it would be helpful to blog about some of the telltale warning signs.

Clouded or Blurry Vision

Cataracts affect the eye’s lens, which is the part of the eye responsible for focusing. The lens is made up of mostly water and proteins arranged in a way that allows light to pass through the lens. But with age, the lens’ proteins can start to clump together, resulting in areas of cloudiness. This prevents light from passing through the lens normally and instead causes cloudy or blurry vision.

Cataracts develop gradually; in the early stages of a cataract, the clouding may only affect a small area of the lens and you may not notice any cloudiness or blurriness. As cataracts progress, the visual distortion becomes more prominent. Many people say that having cataracts is like constantly looking through a cloudy or streaky window.

Glare

Another telltale sign of cataracts is glare, which can occur in bright and low lighting conditions. You may notice that light from the sun or a lamp seems glaring or too bright. Or at night, oncoming headlights may cause more glare than normal. Sometimes this glare can cause pain or sensitivity. You may also notice halos around lights, particularly at night. You should be very careful when driving at night and not drive if your vision is compromised.

Double Vision

Cataracts may cause you to see two images of an object where there should only be one (i.e., double vision). This may happen in one or both eyes, but it is more likely to affect one eye.

Dim or Faded Colors

A common symptom of cataracts is the fading or yellowing of colors. The protein clumps can turn yellow or brown and cause all light entering your eye to take on a yellowish tint. Colors may look less vibrant than they once did, and you might have trouble differentiating between colors.

Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription

Lastly, if you find yourself frequently needing to change your eyeglass prescription, you could have cataracts. Simply replacing your old reading glasses with a stronger pair will not solve the problem.

If you are experiencing any of these telltale signs of cataracts, you should book a vision screening with your eye doctor to determine the cause. If you are diagnosed with cataracts, Dr. Mandel can explain your treatment options. Please call 877-210-2020 or email Optima Eye for more information.

Related Posts

What’s the Difference Between CLR and Cataract Surgery?

CLR, Cataracts in San Jose
When it comes to vision correction procedures, patients often encounter a range of options, each designed to address specific issues related to eye health and vision quality. Two popular procedures that often cause confusion due to their similarities are custom lens replacement (CLR) and cataract surgery. Although both procedures involve replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial one, some differences are important to note. Mark Mandel, MD, a leading ophthalmologist in the Bay Area, sheds light on these differences to help patients make informed decisions about their vision correction options.
Read More

Customize Your Vision After Cataract Surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens

Light Adjustable Lens in Hayward
For many patients, cataract surgery is a welcomed opportunity to regain clear, crisp vision. During the procedure, once the clouded lens of the eye is removed, an artificial lens is inserted in its place. While patients today have several options available to them in terms of the replacement lens, Mark Mandel, MD, wants patients to be aware of the unique benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens. Our team is ready to see you at one of our convenient locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Jose, and Concord. Contact our office at 877-210-2020 ext. 3 to schedule your consultation.
Read More

What Are My Lens Options for Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery in Castro Valley
Cataract surgery is a common, safe, and effective option for restoring crisp vision. The procedure is designed to remove the clouded lens of the eye, replacing it with an artificial one. Today, patients have a variety of intraocular lenses to choose from that can correct a range of vision problems. Bay Area cataract, LASIK, and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD, is eager to help cataract patients decide on the IOL that will most benefit them. Our practice has convenient locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Jose, and Concord. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation.
Read More