Early signs of eye cataract disease you shouldn't ignore
Vision plays a vital role in your daily life—from reading and driving to recognizing faces. But as we age, one common eye condition that can slowly cloud this precious sense is cataract disease. Often developing gradually, cataracts can go unnoticed until they significantly impair vision.
The good news? Early detection and timely treatment can prevent permanent vision loss and restore clarity. In this guide, we’ll help you recognize the early signs of cataracts, understand their causes, and know when to seek professional help.
What is an eye cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the iris and pupil. This lens, which is normally clear, becomes opaque due to the breakdown and clumping of proteins over time. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes and are most common among older adults, though they can also be congenital or caused by trauma, medication, or diseases.
7 early signs of eye cataract disease
Knowing what to look for can help you act before your vision gets worse. Here are the most common early symptoms of cataracts:
1. Cloudy or Blurry vision
One of the earliest and most common signs of a cataract is vision that appears cloudy, dim, or foggy, much like looking through a frosted window. You may notice that colors appear faded or less vibrant.
2. Difficulty seeing at night
You may find it harder to drive at night due to poor contrast sensitivity. This symptom can appear before noticeable vision loss and is often dismissed as normal aging.
3. Sensitivity to light and Glare
Sudden discomfort when exposed to bright lights, sunlight, or vehicle headlights may indicate early cataracts. Many people describe this symptom as glare or halos around lights, especially while driving at night.
4. Seeing halos around lights
Cataracts scatter the light entering the eye, causing rings or halos around lights—particularly noticeable in dim environments.
5. Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
If you notice that your vision prescription is changing often, it could be due to a developing cataract. These shifts happen because the cataract alters how light is focused on the retina.
6. Fading or Yellowing of colors
As the cataract progresses, the lens may take on a yellow or brown tint, making colors appear less sharp or washed out.
7. Double vision in one eye
Unlike binocular double vision (which usually involves both eyes), monocular double vision—where a single object appears doubled in one eye—can be a sign of cataract affecting light refraction.
What causes cataracts?
Several factors can contribute to the development of cataracts:
- Aging (most common cause)
- Diabetes
- Smoking and alcohol use.
- Long-term exposure to UV rays.
- Eye injuries or previous surgeries.
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids.
- Family history of cataracts.
When to see an eye specialist?
If you’re over 40 and experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important not to delay your eye exam. Early cataracts may not need surgery right away, but regular monitoring is key to timely treatment.
You should book an appointment if you notice:
- Blurred or foggy vision.
- Trouble with night driving.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Sudden changes in vision or glasses prescription.
How are cataracts treated?
In the early stages, stronger glasses, magnifying lenses, and better lighting may help. However, the only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the cloudy lens, replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
At Krisha Eye Hospital, we specialize in Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS)—a safe, painless, and highly precise method that ensures:
- Faster healing.
- Minimal discomfort.
- Excellent visual outcomes.
- Stitch-less, bladeless procedure.
Conclusion
Cataracts may be a natural part of aging, but vision loss doesn’t have to be. Recognizing the early signs and seeking timely medical advice can preserve your sight and quality of life. Don’t wait until your vision becomes severely impaired.
At Krisha Eye Hospital, our team of experienced ophthalmologists is dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis, advanced surgical options, and compassionate patient care—all under one roof. Clearer vision starts with a simple step. Schedule an eye exam today and take control of your eye health before cataracts take control of your life.
Author bio
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all super specialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
FAQs
No, cataracts do not grow back. However, a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can occur months or years after surgery, causing cloudy vision again. It can be easily treated with a laser procedure.
Yes, the main types include nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Each affects a different part of the lens and may cause slightly different symptoms.
While cataracts cannot be reversed, a diet rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E), avoiding smoking, and wearing UV-protective sunglasses may help slow their progression.
Yes, cataract surgery is generally safe for diabetics, but extra care is needed before and after surgery to monitor blood sugar levels and prevent complications like diabetic retinopathy.
Modern cataract surgery typically takes about 15–30 minutes per eye, and it is usually performed as a daycare (outpatient) procedure.
That depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) implanted. Monofocal lenses may still require glasses for reading, while multifocal or toric lenses can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Most patients should not drive immediately after surgery. Vision usually stabilizes within a few days, and driving is generally safe once your ophthalmologist confirms your vision meets legal requirements.