5 Early Warning Signs of Cataracts You Should Never Ignore

Do you feel like you’re looking through a dirty window? Gradual changes in your vision are a common part of getting older. 

At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge, Dr. Elias Aliprandis and our team help Brooklyn, New York, patients protect their sight. Cataracts are highly common. The National Eye Institute reports that over half of all Americans age 80 or older have cataracts or have had surgery. 

Because they develop slowly, you might not notice the early symptoms right away. Here are five warning signs you should watch for.

1. Cloudy or blurry vision 

Cataracts cause the natural lens of your eye to become cloudy. This cloudiness makes your vision look hazy, blurry, or slightly dim. 

You might find yourself constantly cleaning your glasses to clear your view. During a comprehensive eye exam at our Brooklyn, NY, offices, we can easily detect these early lens changes.

2. Poor night vision 

As cataracts grow, they block light from reaching your retina. This makes it much harder to see in low-light conditions. 

Driving at night can quickly become difficult and unsafe. Delaying care can also increase your physical safety risks. In a 2005 study of 306 older women with cataracts, those who had expedited surgery experienced fewer falls than those on a waitlist.

We offer advanced cataract surgery to restore your clarity and help keep you safe on your feet.

3. Faded or dull colors

The clouding lens of a cataract can act like a yellow filter over your eyes. This filter makes bright colors look dull, faded, or muddy. 

You might struggle to tell the difference between dark blue and black. The National Eye Institute found that dietary supplements don’t prevent the need for cataract surgery. 

Our doctors will evaluate your color perception and discuss the best path forward for your lifestyle.

4. Glare and halos around lights

Cataracts scatter the light entering your eye instead of focusing it clearly. This scattering creates distracting glare and bright halos around light sources. 

Headlights, streetlights, and lamps can look blindingly bright. This is a very common concern for patients at our Bay Ridge and Sheepshead Bay offices. We use precise diagnostic tools to measure how glare affects your daily activities.

5. Frequent prescription changes 

As a cataract develops, it can temporarily alter how your eye focuses light. This change might cause your vision to shift rapidly. 

You may find yourself needing new glasses or contact lenses much more often than usual. If your prescription keeps changing, our team can determine if a cataract is the cause. 

You don’t have to wait for obvious warning signs to protect your vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults aged 55 to 64 get a complete eye exam every one to three years. If you’re 65 or older, you should have an exam every one to two years.

At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge, we provide personalized care to keep your eyes healthy. If you notice any changes in your vision, schedule a visit with our team today.