As you get older, you may notice your vision getting worse. There’s a chance this could be caused by cataracts, so if you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed below, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked:
All you need to do is book an eye test with your local optician and they’ll be able to confirm whether you have cataracts and discuss treatment options with you.
Yes, cataracts can affect colour vision. Colours may appear dull, faded or yellowed. There is normally a significant improvement after cataract surgery. Some patients briefly notice a blueish tint as the eye adjusts, but normal colour perception usually returns after a few weeks.
Cataracts themselves do not directly cause headaches. However, as cataracts progress and vision becomes cloudy, your eyes may need to work harder to see clearly, which can lead to eye-strain headaches. People who already experience migraines or frequent headaches may notice them more often due to this extra strain. Cataract surgery can improve vision and reduce this type of eye strain. If you experience new or severe headaches, it’s important to consult your doctor.
Cataracts do not cause vertigo, which is a spinning sensation usually related to inner ear problems. However, poor vision from cataracts can sometimes lead to disequilibrium, a feeling of being off balance or unsteady, which may affect depth perception and spatial awareness. This can make walking or moving feel tricky, but it is different from true vertigo.
Cataracts usually develop slowly with age and may not be noticeable at first. Common signs and symptoms include:
In the early stages, cataracts may not interfere with daily life, but as they progress, clouding of the eye’s lens can affect vision significantly. Cataract surgery is the only treatment once vision is impacted. It is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the UK, quick, painless, and highly successful.
Cataracts are usually not visible to the naked eye and most people cannot see them in the mirror. They develop gradually and may only become noticeable in advanced cases, where the lens can appear milky white or brown. Changes in vision are often the first sign, so it is important to visit an optician if you notice blurred, cloudy, or dim vision.
“I went to my optician because I was having trouble reading. We have a big-screen TV at home and I couldn’t see the credits. My optician initially changed my glasses, but I wasn’t comfortable driving at night and I realised that even wearing my glasses, I couldn’t read the large motorway signs. It got to a point where it was really affecting my confidence. When I returned to the optician I had cataracts confirmed and was referred to SpaMedica. It all happened really quickly, and I had surgery as an NHS patient shortly after.”
Rose Tommons, Patient at SpaMedica Manchester