How to spot the symptoms of cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition which, if left untreated, can impact on your everyday life. It’s easy to recognise the symptoms of cataracts and find out whether you need surgery.
Here are some of the signs that mean you might need cataract surgery.
- cloudy vision
- changes in colour vision
- glare while driving
- difficulty with reading
- glasses prescription changes (increased frequency)
- double vision or ‘ghosting’ of images (especially if only noticeable in one eye)
- progressive need for brighter light for reading
- recent struggle with vision at night and increased sensitivity to light.
As cataracts get worse, vision steadily becomes cloudier and you might notice these symptoms getting progressively worse.
You cannot accurately test yourself for cataracts. But, you can decide whether you should see a professional by understanding the symptoms. Eye specialists can often identify the issue long before patients experience symptoms themselves. Having a regular eye exam with your optometrist is important, especially in people aged 40 and over.
A regular eye examination will allow the optometrist to look for early signs of cataracts, and allow for earlier monitoring and treatment of your condition.
Optometrists can carry out a series of tests to look for signs of and diagnose cataracts, including:
- A visual acuity test – an eye chart with letters that decrease in size
- Slit lamp exam – to view the structure of your eye
- Retinal exam – using eye drops to dilate your pupils
- Applanation tonometry – to measure fluid pressure in your eye
Are you considering treatment?
If you’re in our area and would like to learn more about your options, our team would be happy to help. Drop us a line and we’ll call you back:
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What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★“Excellent result. Complete confidence in Paul Ursell. Quiet, quick, and efficient. Peaceful and comfortable hospital.”
P.T★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The cataract surgery on both of my eyes went very smoothly without any problems. There was no pain afterwards and I didn’t have to wear any eyepatch. I would highly recommend Professor Ursell for cataract surgery.”
M.S★ ★ ★ ★ ★“Highly professional, extremely efficient, and an excellent communicator, Paul exudes experience, knowledge, and ability. The whole process — initial consultation, operation, and post-op check-up — was wonderfully stress-free. I now have 20/20 vision, am glasses-free, and I am delighted by the results.”
S.B★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The cataract surgery has completely changed my life. Mr. Ursell put me at ease and explained all options. The procedure was quick and painless and completely successful, and I now have 20/20 vision in my good eye. One of the reasons I had the surgery was because of Mr. Ursell’s standing and experience. Cannot praise highly enough.”
D.S★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I was very short-sighted and my cataracts badly affected both reading and distance acuity. After the operation I now have very good distance vision (glasses-free) but still need glasses for reading. (This was the expected outcome as I did not want multi-focus implants). The operation was quick and painless, and I had no post-operative discomfort at all (which surprised me). The results are remarkable.
I can certainly recommend Professor Ursell. He is a personable consultant and a skilled surgeon.”
S.D★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr. Paul Ursell squashed many of my concerns for not having cataract surgery. He offered comfort with examples of his long/distinguished career and new technology that he applies to the surgery.
Both before and after the surgery, Dr. Ursell and staff gave me the information and attention I needed. It was a great success, and I highly recommend Dr. Ursell.”
PTOWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
