Early-Stage Cataracts

ATTENTION: Cataracts can form at any age. Find out what you need to know.

If you’re in your 40s or 50s and you hear the word “cataracts,” you may think, “That’s an eye condition suffered by the elderly. I have plenty of time before I need to worry about that.”

That’s a common misconception. Cataracts can form at any age, and early-stage cataracts can begin occurring in one’s 40s or 50s. Local ophthalmologist William B. Hart, M.D., of Hart Eye Center, who has performed cataract surgery on a patient as young as 28, says, “Since cataracts can develop early in life, one should ask their eye doctor if they have any sign of early-stage cataracts during their routine eye exam.”

Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness, and more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have the condition. Harry R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America, says, “ A cataract is something that most of us will develop at some point in our lives. Therefore it important for all of us to know the risks, symptoms and treatment of cataracts to protect our own vision health and to help educate others.”

 It may be surprising to learn that if you have a cataract, you will not experience pain, redness or tears. Dr. Hart explains that the following experiences may be symptoms of a cataract:

 · You experience blurred or double vision, view ghost images or have the sensation of a “film” being over your eye.

· When you are reading or working close-up, light levels may seem too dim. Strong light may be overpowering and leave you with a sense of feeling “dazzled.”

· You continue to change your eye prescription, but your vision does not improve.

· Occasionally, one may be able to see a cataract in their eye. The cataract may be milky in appearance or may be a yellowish spot on your pupil.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is of the utmost importance to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. If left untreated, cataracts can eventually cause blindness or severe vision impairment to the point where one may feel as if they are viewing a world that looks like a Van Gogh or Monet impressionist painting.

“It is best to have cataracts treated as soon as they are discovered, even if you are under 50,” Dr. Hart says. “Unfortunately, cataracts will not go away with laser treatments, change of diet or home remedies. The only way to remove this cloud from the lens is cataract surgery.”

 The term surgery may sound daunting, but a cataract removal operation is an outpatient procedure, usually with little or no discomfort to the patient. The patient’s vision is clearer as soon as two days later and they can often return to their normal activities. Most patients with early-onset cataracts are able to enjoy a glasses-free future.

 After the age of 40 it is essential to have routine eye examinations and speak with your eye doctor about cataracts. Adults who have risk factors such as hereditary predisposition, long-time exposure to UV rays, diabetes, long-term steroid use and smoking should also speak with their eye doctor about cataracts.