Cataracts come with many symptoms. The most obvious ones, of course, are loss of vision and blurriness.
But there are other telling signs that you may be developing cataracts. These include fading colors, things looking yellow, halos around lights, and double vision.
While
pain isn’t a typical symptom with cataracts, they can cause light sensitivity. Keep reading to learn more about cataracts!
The Types of Cataracts
There are three kinds of cataracts: nuclear sclerotic, posterior subcapsular, and cortical. Cataracts form in the lens, but depending on the kind of cataract, they form in different parts of the lens.
The most common form of cataract is the nuclear sclerotic. These cataracts grow from the center of the lens.
These have cataract symptoms like worsening vision and difficulty seeing at night. But there is one pretty unique thing about nuclear sclerotic cataracts.
They can actually cause your vision to temporarily improve. This is called “second sight” and is short lived.
These cataracts don’t need treatment when they are in early stages of development. This is because they barely impact vision until they are large enough.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts develop very quickly. Symptoms like trouble reading, halos around lights, and glare show up within months.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts develop at the back of the lens. This is opposite of nuclear sclerotic cataracts. If you use steroids, are diabetic, or are very nearsighted, you’re at risk for developing this cataract.
Finally, cortical cataracts are cataracts that form around the edge of the lens. These cataracts typically result in painful glare due to the way they are shaped.
The cataract creates long triangular clefts that point in towards the center of the eye. This scatters the light that tries to pass through the lens, causing it to bounce around in the eye. This also makes it difficult to perceive depth and detect contrast.
What About Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts aren’t painful, but you do want to have them removed. Cataract surgery allows people with cataracts to see clearly once more!
Many people are nervous about any kind of surgery and the potential for it to be painful. This is, of course, justified, but with cataract surgery it’s actually unfounded.
Cataract surgery is painless. Before the procedure, you’ll receive numbing eye drops. These drops numb your eyes to make sure you can’t feel any pain during the procedure!
As the drops wear off, you may experience some light pain or discomfort. This is temporary and will go away within a few days.
To avoid further discomfort, take it easy when you’re recovering from cataract surgery. You shouldn’t try to bend or take part in any strenuous activities.
You’ll also need to take eye drops that your doctor prescribes. These eye drops shouldn’t cause any pain, since they reduce inflammation and infection.
If you are in extreme pain as you recover from cataract surgery, let your eye doctor know. This could be a sign of a complication or infection.
Have more questions about cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening at Chesen Laser Eye Center in West Reading, Pa today!
