- Cataracts develop when proteins clump together on the natural lens, causing cloudy vision.
- Early symptoms may be subtle, but as cataracts mature, they can significantly impact quality of life.
- Key signs to see a surgeon: blurred vision, yellow/brown tint, double vision, halos, glare, night driving difficulty, frequent prescription changes, and light sensitivity.
- Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore clear vision.
- Dr. Keith Tokuhara at Desert Vision Center specializes in cataract evaluation and advanced lens options.
Are you struggling to see? Do words on menus or images on the television seem blurry? You may have a cataract. Early on, the symptoms of cataracts may not be noticeable, but they can worsen with time as a cataract has more time to develop and mature. The only way to receive a diagnosis and treat cataracts is to see a cataract surgeon.
Keep reading to learn more about cataracts, the warning signs to watch out for, and when it’s time to see a cataract surgeon.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy. This happens when proteins in your eyes break down and clump together on your lens.
Cataracts typically develop slowly, so you might not realize you have one, at least initially. However, as they develop, you’ll see changes to your vision that can affect your quality of life.
Signs it’s Time to See a Cataract Surgeon
If you have the following symptoms, it’s time to consider seeing a cataract surgeon. Although cataract surgery is not deemed necessary until it makes it impossible to do daily tasks like cooking or cleaning, see your cataract surgeon. They can monitor your cataract and recommend the right time to consider cataract surgery.
Blurred Vision
One of the most common symptoms of cataracts is blurred vision. Some people with cataracts may describe it as having foggy or hazy vision. You may feel like you’re looking through a smudged or misty window when you have blurred vision due to cataracts. Blurry vision tends to worsen as the cataract continues developing. If it’s difficult to see facial expressions, text, cook, or get around due to blurry vision, it’s time to consider seeing a cataract surgeon. A cataract surgeon can confirm if you have a cataract and if you should consider removing it. Many people experience the best vision of their lives after cataract surgery.
Everything Has a Yellow or Brown Tint
Cataracts tend to discolor your natural lens, causing a brownish or yellowish tint to develop. As a result, colors may look muddy instead of clear and vibrant. Cataracts may make you feel like you’re looking at the world through a dirty window. The yellowish or brownish tint can make it hard to distinguish between certain colors like blue, purple, and green or black, navy blue, and brown. If you’ve noticed that you frequently disagree with family and friends over the color of clothes or objects, it could be time to see a cataract surgeon. You’ll be amazed by the difference cataract surgery makes. The world around you will be more vivid, brighter, and full of vibrant colors.
Double Vision in One Eye
Cataracts are likely responsible for double vision in one eye. With double vision, you see two images instead of one. Double vision can be very frustrating and disorienting. Reading, walking, driving, and performing routine, everyday activities can be quite challenging when you see two of everything. If double vision has affected your ability to complete daily tasks and your quality of life, you should see a cataract surgeon as soon as possible. When cataracts are to blame for your double vision, removing them typically resolves the problem and allows you to regain your independence.
Halos
Halos around lights are a tell-tale sign of cataracts. Halos are luminous circles around light sources like car headlights and streetlights. They appear when light passing through a cataract diffracts. You may not see halos during the day, but they can become immediately visible at night. If you see halos, it is important to speak to a cataract surgeon.
Glare
Another symptom of cataracts is glare from light sources. A cataract may scatter light inside your eye, causing it to bounce around, leading to glare. Bright light from the sun and artificial lights such as street lamps or headlights may result in intense glare, making it harder to see. Glare can be slightly uncomfortable or debilitating. When glare becomes hard to ignore, it’s time to contact a cataract surgeon.
Difficulty Driving at Night
With cataracts, driving at night can become dangerous. Cataracts may cause blurry or double vision. Both can make reading road signs or seeing clearly while driving difficult. Cataracts may also cause glare and halos. The glare from oncoming vehicles can be blinding, while halos around street lights may be distracting, affecting your ability to drive safely. Driving at night when you have cataracts can put you and others on the road in danger. If you feel unsafe while driving at night, avoid driving and see a cataract surgeon. They may recommend cataract surgery to restore your ability to see clearly while driving.
Frequent Prescription Changes
Growing older means your glasses or contact lenses prescription may change every few years. However, if you’ve noticed more frequent prescription changes, this may be a sign of cataracts. A stronger prescription can temporarily help if you have cataracts. However, this is not a permanent solution. Eventually, you’ll reach a point where contact lenses or glasses can no longer correct your vision. If this happens, you’ll need to see a cataract surgeon. Your cataract surgeon may suggest cataract surgery to restore your sight when corrective lenses no longer improve your vision.
Sensitivity to Light
Cataracts can also cause photophobia or light sensitivity. The clouding of your lens due to cataracts affects the eye’s ability to focus light. When this happens, it decreases the amount of light that reaches your retina. As a result, your eyes may become extra sensitive to light. The sun and bright lamps can make you squint or close your eyes. Light sensitivity may also cause headaches, discomfort, and pain. If light from natural and artificial sources is more than you can handle, it’s crucial to have your eyes checked by a cataract surgeon. They will conduct an eye exam to determine the cause. If it’s cataracts, there’s an effective solution: having cataract surgery, which will help improve light sensitivity and other frustrating symptoms due to cataracts.
Foggy, hazy, like looking through a smudged window.
Yellow or brown tint, colors look faded or muddy.
Headlights and streetlights create rings or intense brightness.
Blinding glare, double vision, and halos make after‑dark travel unsafe.
Don’t wait until your vision is severely impaired to see a cataract surgeon. If you notice any of these signs – especially if they interfere with driving, reading, or your favorite activities – schedule an evaluation. Early detection allows you to plan cataract surgery at the most convenient time and enjoy a faster return to clear, vibrant vision.
Regain Your Vision with Cataract Surgery
You don’t have to live with vision loss from cataracts. Dr. Tokuhara at Desert Vision Center can help. Dr. Tokuhara will accurately diagnose if you have cataracts and perform cataract surgery if necessary to restore clear vision and improve your quality of life.
Do you have signs of cataracts? Schedule your cataract screening at Desert Vision Center in Rancho Mirage, CA, today to get on the path to clearer, crisper vision.
Don’t let cataracts steal your independence
If you recognize any of these warning signs, schedule a cataract screening with Dr. Tokuhara. We’ll help you understand your options and find the right time for surgery to restore your clear, vibrant vision.