Frequently Asked Questions

Cataracts

Symptoms of Cataracts

These are some of the symptoms most commonly associated with the onset of cataracts:

• Blurry vision
• Need more light to read
• Difficulty with glare from bright sunlight, headlights or lamps
• Increased eyestrain
• Seeing double with one eye open
• Filmy, foggy or cloudy vision
• Colors seem faded or yellowish
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription
• Dark areas or shadows that move with the eye
• A new ability to see up close without using reading glasses, often called "second sight"

You most likely need cataract surgery if:

• You have been told you have a cataract that hinders your ability to see
• Your vision no longer meets your needs and interferes with daily activities
• Your eyesight can no longer be improved with glasses
• You want something done to improve your vision
• Your eye doctor recommends surgical treatment

Visual perception photos above of ocular disease come from the NIH website.