When vision changes happen slowly, it’s easy to brush them off as a normal part of aging. A little extra glare while driving at night, colors that don’t seem as vibrant, or words that blur together while reading may not feel urgent at first. But these subtle changes are often the earliest signs that cataracts are beginning to develop.
What Is a Cataract?
Cataracts are one of the most common age-related vision changes many adults experience. They can begin forming as early as age 40, even if symptoms aren’t noticeable right away. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have cataracts or have already undergone cataract surgery.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. This lens plays a critical role in focusing light onto the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that allows you to see clearly. When the lens becomes cloudy, light cannot pass through as effectively, reducing image sharpness and leading to blurred or distorted vision.
How People First Notice Cataracts
Because cataracts develop gradually, many people don’t realize what’s happening at first. Early symptoms can be mild and easy to ignore, but they tend to worsen over time. Common early signs include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision, often described as looking through foggy or smudged glass
- Increased sensitivity to light or glare
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night, especially while driving
- Colors appearing faded or less vibrant
- Needing brighter light for reading or close work
If these changes sound familiar, a Cataract Self Test may help you better understand what’s going on with your vision.
What Is a Cataract Self-Test?
A cataract self-test isn’t a medical diagnosis, but it can be a valuable first step in understanding your vision. At Willis Knighton Eye Institute, our Cataract Self Test focuses on how you see in everyday life, asking about your activities, visual challenges, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. It’s designed to help you better understand how changes in your eyesight may be impacting your routine and to clarify your goals for vision after treatment.
The assessment walks you through questions about everyday activities such as driving, reading, using a computer, or enjoying hobbies. By exploring how important it is for you to see clearly at different distances, both with or without glasses, the self-test helps identify your visual priorities. It also considers how comfortable you might be with common trade-offs, such as mild halos or glare at night, which can play a role when evaluating cataract surgery and lens options.
The self-test also takes your lifestyle and personality into account. Questions about which “vision zones” matter most, whether it’s reading up close, working on screens, or seeing clearly at night, help our team of doctors, Dr. Shelby, Dr. Wyche T. Coleman III, and Dr. Kelli Coleman, understand how you rely on your vision day to day. Even personality traits, such as being easygoing or more detail-focused, can influence which vision correction approach may be the best fit.
While the Cataract Self Test does not replace a comprehensive eye exam, it gives The Cataract Surgeons at Willis Knighton Eye Institute valuable insight before your consultation, allowing for a more personalized discussion about cataract surgery options and expected outcomes.
When to Seek Expert Care
It’s important to contact an eye care professional if your vision changes begin to interfere with everyday activities like driving, reading, or recognizing faces. A thorough evaluation can confirm whether cataracts are the cause and help determine the most appropriate treatment options.
Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or are ready to explore cataract surgery options, The Cataract Surgeons are here to guide you every step of the way.
Start with our Cataract Self-Test and request an appointment today to take control of your vision.
