Do cataracts always affect vision?
Congenital cataracts don’t always affect vision, but if they do, they’re usually removed soon after detection.
What does vision look like with bad cataracts?
Blurry vision at any distance is the most common symptom of cataracts. Your view may look foggy, filmy, or cloudy. Over time, as the cataracts get worse, less light reaches the retina. People with cataracts may have an especially hard time seeing and driving at night.
How long does it take for cataracts to develop?
Most age-related cataracts can progress gradually over a period of years. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. Some cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a short time.
How can I improve my vision with cataracts?
Tips to reduce your risk of cataracts
- Have regular eye examinations.
- Quit smoking or never start.
- Manage your diabetes.
- Control high blood pressure.
- Lose weight.
- Protect your eyes from injuries.
- Choose a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables have many antioxidants that help maintain healthy eyes.
- Wear sunglasses.
How often should cataracts be checked?
Even if you don’t experience symptoms or suspect that you have a cataract, it’s important to have your eyes checked for them every two years after age 40 and every year after age 65. The earlier any vision problems are detected, the earlier they can be treated.
Do cataracts affect peripheral vision?
Cataracts are the gradual clouding of the clear lens of the eye. In some cases, it may cause some peripheral vision loss, but it can be treated with surgery.
Can you slow cataract growth?
You can’t do anything about your age or family history, but you can change your diet. Some research shows that eating foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E may help prevent cataracts. If you already have cataracts, it may slow their growth.