Cataracts are one of the most common factors in the erosion of our eye health. This condition leads to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies beneath the iris and the pupil. Signs of cataracts usually occur around the age of 40, and the risk of getting them only increases as you get older. If you’re concerned about cataracts, here are a few symptoms to look out for in order to catch this condition in its early stages.

Symptoms

The following symptoms indicate that your eye may have a cataract:

• Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or film vision
• Double vision
• Glare from direct contact with lights
• Difficulty driving at night due to glare from headlights
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

If you find yourself suffering from any of these symptoms, be sure to talk to your optometrist and find out ways to treat a possible cataract.

Prevention

Because there is no particular known cause of cataracts, there is not an exact method of preventing them. There are a few steps you can take, however, to ensure that your eyes are in good health. Before the age of 50, you should be getting your eyes checked once every two years. Once you turn 50 years old, though, you should get your eyes checked annually.

Risk Factors

While age is the leading cause of cataracts, there are a few other factors that lead to its development. Below are some factors that may be helpful in early detection.

• A family history of cataracts
• Diabetes
• Ionizing radiation exposure
• The use of statins
• Long-term exposure to bright sunlight
• Long-term use of corticosteroids
• Previous eye inflammation
• Exposure to lead

Always make sure to take the proper steps to ensure that your eyes are in good health. If you recognize any symptoms of pre-cataracts, schedule an appointment today for an eye exam by calling 602-955-2700 or by visiting our website.