Initial symptoms may be unnoticeable, or very slight. The cloudiness of the lens is not accompanied by any pain or bloodshot eyes. The affliction features a host of various visual defects, dependant on the blurrings’ location. For this reason, any noticeable reduction in vision, such as low acuity or blurred image should be considered a warning sign. In such a case it is advised to reach out to an expert immediately to evaluate the cause of affliction.
Frequent Cataract Symptoms
- Gradual vision degradation
- Increasing myopia
- Faster than usual eye strain
- Blurred/cloudy vision
- Distorted or double vision
- Issues with distance assessment and movement
- Intrusive bright light
- Issues with colour vision
- Difficulties with choosing adequate glasses
In the event of vision distortions, it is necessary to make an appointment with an ophthalmist. Cataracts are easy to identify and do not require any complikated tests, all that is required is a test of the frontal segment of the eyeball using a slit lamp. It allows for an assessment of the type and stage of advancement of lens clouding. The doctor may also perform a fundus examination, which will exclude the presence of other changes which may cause irreversible visual acuity degradation, such as macula degeneration, optical nerve atrophy, or retinal detachment.
Types of cataract and their corresponding symptoms
- Posterior subcapsular cataract – visual affliction concerns the posterior lens capsule and intensifies in bright light, as well as near vision (e.g. reading)
- Nuclear cataract – Located in the central part of the lens, causes bad vision in bright light and in plentiful sunlight. Simultaneously, close-range vision is improved as nuclear cataracts cause vision changes towards myopia.
- Cortical cataract – Cloudiness begins at the periphery of the lens. This causes particularly bad vision at night and in dark rooms.
How to diagnose cataracts?
Cataract diagnosis is mainly based on a fundis examination using a slit lamp. A full ophthalmic examination requires the use of pupil-dilating eye drops. Based on the examination and a medical interview, cataract incidence can be conclusively confirmed. With regard to a mature cataract, considering the cloudiness of the lens a fundus examination cannot be conducted, a B-projection ultrasound test must be made, in order to not overlook other potential eye afflictions, such as retinal detachment, or an intraocular tumour.
from 2500 PLN