What Are Cataracts? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Cataracts

Are your once-clear contact lenses now leaving you with stubborn blurriness? You might be experiencing more than just a prescription change; you could develop cataracts. This common age-related condition occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, gradually dimming and distorting your vision like a smudged camera lens.

Cataracts affect over 24 million Americans past the age of 40 and remain a leading cause of vision loss, but the good news is, they’re highly treatable, especially when caught early. Michigan Contact Lens offers comprehensive eye exams where our specialists can detect cataracts and help you find the best solution, whether that means updated contacts, lifestyle changes, or surgical options.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts happen when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, leading to cloudy or blurred vision. This usually develops slowly as lens proteins break down due to aging, exposure to UV light, or health issues. You can think of it like having smudged glasses that never clear up. Cataracts can worsen over time if not treated. If left untreated, they can cause serious vision problems, so early detection is very important.

What Causes Cataracts?

The primary causes of cataracts include:

• Aging (most common)
• UV radiation (especially without proper eye protection)
• Diabetes & high blood pressure
• Smoking & excessive alcohol consumption
• Eye trauma or past surgeries
• Long-term steroid use

Early Signs & Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts usually develop slowly, and the early signs can be easy to miss. Being aware of these subtle changes can help you catch the condition early and take steps to manage it effectively. Some common early symptoms to look out for:

Blurry, Foggy, or Dim Vision

One of the first things people notice is that their vision feels cloudy or hazy, like they are looking through a smudged lens. Even with your glasses or contact lenses, things might still seem unclear, and this blurriness can come and go or gradually get worse over time.

Increased Sensitivity to Glare (Especially at Night)

Bright lights might start to bother you more than usual. Headlights during nighttime driving, sunlight, or indoor lighting can feel overly intense, creating distracting glare. You might also notice halos or starbursts around lights, which can make driving at night especially challenging.

Faded or Yellow-Tinted Colors

Colors may start to lose their brightness and appear dull or washed out. Some people notice that everything has a slight yellow or brownish tint. Because this change happens gradually, it might go unnoticed until it becomes more obvious.

Frequent Changes in Glasses or Contact Lens Prescription

If you’re needing new prescriptions more often but still not seeing clearly, it could be a sign of a cataract. As the lens in your eye changes, it can affect your vision in ways that aren’t easily corrected with glasses or contacts.

Double Vision in One Eye

Seeing double, especially in just one eye, can be another early warning sign. If you close one eye and still see two images, it may point to a developing cataract in the open eye.

When to See an Eye Care Professional

These symptoms can sometimes overlap with other eye conditions, so it’s always a good idea to get them checked out. If your glasses or contacts no longer give you the clear vision you are used to, or if you are experiencing any of the changes above, do not wait.

The 3 Main Types of Cataracts

Cataracts are generally classified into three main types, each affecting different parts of the lens and causing distinct symptoms:

1. Nuclear Cataracts

These develop in the center (nucleus) of the lens and are most commonly linked to aging. As the cataract progresses, the central part of the lens gradually turns yellow or brown, which can affect distance vision and sometimes lead to double vision. It’s often the most common type found in older adults.

2. Cortical Cataracts

Forming around the outer edges (cortex) of the lens, these cataracts are more commonly seen in people with diabetes. They show up as white, wedge-shaped streaks that work their way inward. This type often impacts peripheral vision and can increase sensitivity to glare.

3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

These form at the back of the lens and tend to progress more quickly than the other types. They often affect reading vision and cause halos or glare around lights, which can make it especially hard to see clearly when driving at night.

How to Prevent Cataracts

Taking proactive steps can help delay or even prevent cataract formation:

1. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses—even on cloudy days
2. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
3. Manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
4. Eat antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, and fish
5. Schedule regular eye exams, especially after age 40

Even small lifestyle changes today can make a big difference in protecting your vision.

Living with Cataracts: Non-Surgical Options

If you’re in the early stages of cataracts, surgery might not be necessary right away. Non-surgical options that can help improve vision and quality of life include:

• Stronger glasses or updated contact lens prescriptions
• Anti-glare lenses to reduce discomfort, especially at night
• Brighter lighting for reading and daily tasks
• Magnifiers or other low-vision aids
• Specialty contact lenses, if standard ones are no longer effective

Cataract Treatment Options

As cataracts progress and start interfering with your daily life, treatment becomes necessary to help you see clearly again. The good news? Modern cataract treatments are highly effective and widely available. 

Non-Surgical Options (for Early Stages)

In the early stages, surgery might not be needed right away. These non-surgical approaches can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life:

Updated Glasses or Contact Lens Prescriptions

As your vision changes, a stronger or updated prescription can help you see more clearly, for a while. Keep in mind, though, this won’t stop the cataract from progressing.

Better Lighting and Vision Aids

Cataracts can make everything look dimmer. Using brighter lights for reading or close-up tasks can make a big difference. Tools like magnifiers or low-vision aids may also help with detailed work.

Anti-Glare Lenses

Glare from headlights or sunlight can become more bothersome. Glasses with special anti-glare coatings can reduce that discomfort, especially when driving at night.

Surgical Options (the Only Permanent Solution)

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and restore clear vision. It’s one of the safest and most common procedures performed today. What it typically involves:

• Phacoemulsification (Standard Cataract Surgery)
  A small incision is made in your cornea, and a tiny ultrasound device breaks the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then gently removed.
  
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
  This newer method uses a precise laser to assist with some steps of the surgery, like making incisions and softening the cataract. It may offer added precision and potentially better results in some cases.

Lens Replacement: Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants

After removing the cloudy lens, it’s replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). There are several types to choose from, depending on your vision needs:

• Monofocal IOLs
  These provide a clear vision at one set distance, usually far. You’ll likely still need glasses for reading or close-up work.
  
• Multifocal IOLs
  Designed for clear vision at multiple distances (near, mid, and far), these can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses. Some people may notice halos or glare, especially at night.
  
• Toric IOLs
  These correct both cataracts and astigmatism, helping you see more clearly without needing astigmatism-correcting glasses or contacts.
  
• Accommodating IOLs
  These lenses adjust focus naturally with your eye muscles, mimicking how your eye used to work, for more flexible vision.
  
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs
  These lenses give you sharp distance vision and improved intermediate vision—great for things like using a computer. They may reduce your need for reading glasses.
  

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery from cataract surgery is usually smooth and fairly quick. You’ll likely need to use prescribed eye drops for a few weeks, and most people notice major improvements in vision within just a few days. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions to support a safe and healthy recovery.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses After Cataract Surgery?

Yes, but it depends on your IOL and eye health. For example:

• Monofocal IOLs may still require contacts for reading or astigmatism.
• Multifocal/Toric IOLs often reduce the need for contact lenses.

Always consult your eye doctor before resuming contact lenses. Explore our contact lens fittings post-surgery.

What Does Vision Look Like With Cataracts?

Cataracts affect your vision in noticeable ways:

• Colors appear washed out or yellowed.
• Bright lights create halos or streaks.
• Reading feels like looking through wax paper.

Imagine a foggy car windshield; that’s daily life with cataracts.

Cataracts and Contact Lens Wear (Pre-Surgery)

Contacts may not correct vision as effectively for cataract sufferers. Issues include:

• Discomfort due to light sensitivity
• Frequent prescription changes

Switching to glasses might be necessary if contacts become unreliable.

Conclusion

Cataracts are treatable, and modern surgery can restore clear vision. Early detection through regular eye exams can prevent severe vision impairment. If you are experiencing symptoms, do not wait. Schedule your exam today and take the first step towards clearer vision.

FAQ