What symptoms does a cataract cause?
Cataracts are usually formed slowly through the years, causing constant blurring of the vision which cannot be corrected with glasses. In some people, eyesight can get worse quickly. The development of a cataract can also cause flashes of light, difficulty driving at night and many images visible in one eye.
Do cataracts spread from eye to eye?
No. But often it is developed in both eyes, simultaneously or with a small difference between them.
Are there different types of cataracts?
Yes. Most types of cataracts relate to age, but some other examples include congenital (there when the individual was born), induced from medications (steroids) or trauma (damage to the eye).
Are diabetes and cataracts connected?
Yes. Cataracts are more commonly found in people who have some diseases, such as diabetes.
Is a cataract only a part of aging?
Most types of cataracts are developed later in a person’s life. This is called senile cataract and can be developed at any time over 40 years of age. The normal aging process causes gradual clouding of the lenses. Treatment is not needed for all people who have cataracts.
Can children have cataracts?
Yes, but this is rare.
I didn’t know that I have cataracts until my doctor told me – is this normal?
At first you cannot feel that the cataract is developing and it wouldn’t be causing symptoms yet. In time, as the cataract develops with time, you start to experience clouding of your vision. In most cases, eyes with cataracts look normal, but if the disease progresses enough, your pupil won’t look black anymore – instead it will look cloudy white.
