Do Cataracts Cause Eye Discomfort?
Cataracts are a common vision problem caused by a clouding of the lens, resulting in blurry vision and other symptoms.
While cataracts themselves don’t cause eye pain, they can lead to symptoms that some may find uncomfortable. Treating cataracts can help.
At Monterey County Eye Associates, we offer several treatment options for cataracts and discomfort. If you live in Monterey, CA, Salinas, King City, and would like to learn more about which treatments are right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts are a common condition that can occur when proteins in the lens of the eye break down. This causes the lens to become cloudy, affecting vision over time.
The symptoms of cataracts may not be noticeable right away but will become worse as clouding increases. Some symptoms of cataracts include:
- Cloudy vision, as if looking through a fog
- Blurry vision
- Colors look dull
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing in low light situations
- Difficulty driving at night
- Double vision
- Frequently changing eyeglasses prescription
- Yellowing of colors
- Halos around lights
Are Cataracts Painful?
No, cataracts are not painful. Although they’re not painful, they can lead to symptoms that cause discomfort in some people.
The following are some of the most common cataract symptoms associated with discomfort.
Sensitivity to Light and Glare
Many people with cataracts experience sensitivity to light and glare. Usually light sensitivity is most common during the early stages of cataract formation. Those who experience light sensitivity may find it difficult to see in bright sunlight and may have a hard time keeping their eyes open because of the discomfort.
Blurry Vision
Cataracts cause light entering through the clouded lens of the eye to become distorted or blocked as it travels to the retina. Blurry vision isn’t exactly painful but it can make focusing the eyes difficult, possibly leading to headaches and eye fatigue.
Eye Strain
Cataracts make seeing difficult. As vision becomes more blurred or cloudy, the eyes must work harder to see clearly. When the eyes must work harder than normal to see, it can cause eye strain or fatigue.
Fatigued eyes may feel dry or burn from straining throughout the day, causing discomfort and potentially affecting daily life if severe enough.
Treating Cataracts
Cataracts will not go away on their own once they begin to develop. The reality is they will only get worse if left untreated. Cataract surgery is the leading option for treating cataracts and restoring vision.
Cataract surgery is performed by removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens known as an intraocluar lens, or IOL.
Undergoing cataract surgery can help relieve the discomfort sometimes associated with the symptoms of cataracts and, most importantly, restore vision.
Schedule an Appointment
If vision problems are causing you discomfort, the ophthalmologists of Monterey County Eye Associates are available to help. To learn more about your treatment options, or to find out if cataract surgery is right for you, please call (831) 372-1500 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
