More than 50% of all Americans over the age of 80 have a cataract or have had surgery to remove a cataract. Most age-related cataracts usually develop slowly over several years, typically between the age of 40 to 60 years of age. However, there are some types that develop much faster, like those that are common in people who have diabetes or take certain medications. Here are several ways you can tell that you might get cataracts.
Lifestyle and Heredity Can Play a Part
Having parents, siblings, or other relatives who have had a cataract puts you at higher risk of developing one. You are also at a higher risk if:
- You have diabetes
- You have had an eye injury, radiation treatments on your upper body, or eye surgery
- You spend a lot of time in the sun without sunglasses
- You take medications like corticosteroids
Signs that You Might Have or Be Developing Cataracts
Because most cataracts take a long time to develop, you might not always be aware of the changes to your eye(s). But certain vision changes can mean you have one developing, such as
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing well at night
- Seeing bright colors that looked faded or yellow
Your annual eye exam is the best place to start to find or monitor any cataracts you might have. However, any sudden changes in your vision should be investigated with a comprehensive eye exam. Call Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 to schedule your exam, which will include screening for cataracts.
