How to spot the symptoms of cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition which, if left untreated, can impact on your everyday life. It’s easy to recognise the symptoms of cataracts and find out whether you need surgery.

Here are some of the signs that mean you might need cataract surgery.

• cloudy vision

• changes in colour vision

• glare while driving

• difficulty with reading

• glasses prescription changes (increased frequency)

• double vision or ‘ghosting’ of images (especially if only noticeable in one eye)

• progressive need for brighter light for reading

• recent struggle with vision at night and increased sensitivity to light.

As cataracts get worse, vision steadily becomes cloudier and you might notice these symptoms getting progressively worse.

You cannot accurately test yourself for cataracts. But, you can decide whether you should see a professional by understanding the symptoms. Eye specialists can often identify the issue long before patients experience symptoms themselves. Having a regular eye exam with your optometrist is important, especially in people aged 40 and over.

A regular eye examination will allow the optometrist to look for early signs of cataracts, and allow for earlier monitoring and treatment of your condition.

Optometrists can carry out a series of tests to look for signs of and diagnose cataracts, including:

• A visual acuity test – an eye chart with letters that decrease in size

• Slit lamp exam – to view the structure of your eye

• Retinal exam – using eye drops to dilate your pupils

• Applanation tonometry – to measure fluid pressure in your eye