Have you ever struggled to see clearly while driving at night or noticed that text appears doubled when reading? These could be early signs of cataracts. Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to gradual vision impairment. Since they develop painlessly, many people overlook the early symptoms. According to the Korean Ophthalmological Society, over 50% of people over 60 have cataracts, and cases among younger individuals are also rising. So, what are the early warning signs, and how can you address them?
1. Blurry or Cloudy Vision
One of the first signs of cataracts is blurred vision, similar to looking through a foggy window. If your vision remains unclear even after cleaning your glasses, cataracts may be the cause. Dr. Oh Youngsam, chief ophthalmologist at Gangnam IOK Eye Clinic, explains, “As the lens loses transparency, light can no longer pass through evenly, leading to clouded vision.”
2. Increased Sensitivity to Light and Glare
If headlights seem overly bright at night or daylight causes excessive discomfort, cataracts could be the reason. According to data from the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, 65% of cataract patients report glare sensitivity as a major symptom.
3. Double Vision (Diplopia)
Cataracts can cause light to scatter inside the eye, making objects appear doubled or overlapped. If you experience this even when covering one eye, you should consider an eye exam.
4. Faded or Yellowed Colors
As cataracts progress, colors may appear dull or yellowish due to lens discoloration. This symptom indicates that light is not properly filtering through the lens.
5. Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescriptions
Cataracts can temporarily alter your eye’s focusing power, leading to frequent prescription changes. While it may seem like an improvement in near vision, the underlying issue worsens over time.
Early Detection is Crucial
Cataracts do not heal naturally, and surgery is the only effective treatment. “Cataract surgery can significantly restore vision, especially when performed early,” says Dr. Oh Youngsam. Studies show that 70% of patients over 60 experience improved vision post-surgery.
Time to Check Your Eye Health
Cataracts can greatly impact quality of life if left untreated. If you recognize any of these symptoms, why not schedule an eye exam today?
[Column Provided By]
Gangnam IOK Eye Clinic | Dr. Oh Youngsam
📞 02-6949-0088
🔗 www.iokeyes.com/
🔗 https://blog.naver.com/iokoys
