Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, and the change is often gradual. That slow progression can make early cataracts symptoms easy to dismiss as “just getting older” or needing new glasses.
Dr. Stanley L. Crews is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist with more than 30 years of experience providing vision correction surgery to patients in Vancouver, Washington, and the Portland and Central Oregon regions. He is also an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
If reading, driving, or screen time is becoming more difficult, schedule an eye exam to pinpoint the cause and discuss the right next steps.
Early Cataracts Symptoms To Watch For
Cataracts can affect each person differently, and symptoms may show up in one eye first. Common early signs include:
- Blurry, hazy, or foggy vision that comes and goes
- Glare and light sensitivity, especially in bright sun or indoor lighting
- Halos around lights at night
- Night driving becoming stressful due to headlight glare
- Colors looking faded, yellowed, or less vibrant
- Needing brighter light to read or do close work
- Frequent prescription changes or glasses that do not seem to help
- Double vision in one eye
These symptoms can also be linked to other eye conditions, which is why a professional evaluation matters.
When Vision Problems Should Not Be Ignored
Some vision changes are easy to brush off, especially when cataracts symptoms develop gradually. Still, it is smart to schedule an eye exam when vision problems start affecting safety, comfort, or confidence in daily routines.
Make an appointment if you notice:
- Increasing glare or halos that make night driving difficult
- Trouble reading labels, menus, or signs, even with glasses
- Needing brighter light indoors to see clearly
- New glasses not improving clarity the way they used to
Seek urgent eye care if symptoms come on suddenly, such as rapid vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden burst of floaters, a shadow over part of vision, or eye pain and redness. These can signal issues beyond cataracts that need immediate attention.
A Comprehensive Cataract Exam
A cataract evaluation is straightforward and typically includes a detailed vision test, a slit-lamp exam to examine the lens, and dilation to examine the eye’s internal structures. The goal is to confirm the presence of cataracts, assess their impact on vision, and rule out other causes of symptoms.
Cataract Treatment Options Near Portland, OR
Vision changes can be frustrating, but cataracts are treatable, and help is available. In the early stages, updated glasses, better lighting, and targeted recommendations may improve day-to-day clarity.
If cataracts progress and begin to limit reading, driving, or work, cataract surgery can restore clearer vision by replacing the clouded natural lens with a clear intraocular lens, with options selected to match lifestyle needs. Call 800-757-3525 to book a consultation and get a clear plan for your next steps.