How to Tell If Your Cataracts Are Progressing

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition that can significantly impact your vision and quality of life. Detecting the progression of cataracts early is crucial for managing the condition effectively and maintaining eye health. 

The experienced team at  Cory Bergman, MD, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming, offers advanced cataract surgery to restore vision for individuals with progressing cataracts.

Here are key signs and symptoms that indicate your cataracts may be progressing:

Blurry vision

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of cataract progression is blurry or cloudy vision. Light entering your eye scatters as the cataract grows, making it difficult to see clearly. If your vision is becoming increasingly hazy or foggy, it could be a sign that your cataracts are worsening.

Cataracts can make it feel like you are looking through a frosted window. You may notice that colors are faded and less vibrant. This gradual loss of clarity can affect your ability to read, drive, and perform other daily activities.

Double vision in one eye

Double vision, or seeing two images of a single object, can also be a symptom of progressing cataracts. This phenomenon, known as monocular diplopia, occurs when the cataract causes light to scatter in different directions.

If you experience double vision in one eye, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Bergman immediately. Double vision can significantly impact your daily life, making reading and driving difficult.

Difficulty seeing at night

People with progressing cataracts often experience increased difficulty seeing at night. Lights may glare or appear to have halos around them, making nighttime driving particularly challenging. If you struggle more than usual to see in low-light conditions, it might be time to consult your eye doctor.

Night vision problems can be dangerous, especially when driving. If you see rings of light around headlights or streetlights or find that bright lights cause significant glare, it could be a sign that your cataracts are advancing. 

Light sensitivity

You may become more sensitive to light as cataracts get worse. Bright sunlight or indoor lighting can cause discomfort or pain. This sensitivity can make it hard to be outdoors or in well-lit environments.

If you notice that you are squinting more often or experiencing discomfort in bright environments, it could indicate that your cataracts are getting worse. Wearing sunglasses and using anti-glare coatings on your eyeglasses can help manage this symptom.

Frequent prescription changes

Another sign that your cataracts may be getting worse is the need for frequent eyeglasses or contact lens prescription changes. As cataracts advance, they can cause your vision to fluctuate, leading to frequent adjustments in your corrective lenses.

If you need to update your prescription more often than usual, it could be a sign that your cataracts are affecting your vision.

Fading or yellowing of colors

As cataracts develop, they can cause colors to appear faded or yellow. This change in color perception is due to the clouding of the lens, which filters light entering the eye.

You might notice that whites appear yellowish and other colors look dull. This change can affect your ability to distinguish between colors and can be particularly noticeable when looking at brightly colored objects.

Schedule an eye exam

Recognizing the signs of cataract progression is essential for maintaining eye health and quality of life. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, we recommend scheduling an appointment online or calling the office for an exam. Early detection and management of cataracts can help preserve your vision and prevent further complications.