How Can You Tell If You Have Cataracts?

Cataracts often develop so gradually that you may not realise your eyesight has changed. At first, you might adapt to subtle changes without thinking about it, such as moving closer to what you are reading, choosing brighter lighting or avoiding driving after dark.

Because these changes can become part of your everyday routine, it is easy to attribute them to tired eyes, an outdated glasses prescription or simply getting older. Understanding how cataracts can affect your eyesight can help you recognise when changes in your vision deserve closer attention.

What Happens to Your Vision When Cataracts Develop?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The lens helps focus light onto the retina, allowing you to see a clear image. As cloudiness develops, light is no longer transmitted through the lens as effectively, gradually affecting the quality of your vision.

Cataracts are particularly common with ageing, although they can also develop earlier due to factors such as eye injury, diabetes, high myopia or prolonged use of certain medications, including steroids. ecause cataracts usually develop gradually, you may adapt to changes in your vision without immediately realising how much your vision has changed.

What Are the Early Signs of Cataracts?

Cataract symptoms can vary depending on where the cloudiness develops within the lens and how advanced it has become. Several changes are particularly common.

Blurred or Cloudy Vision

Your vision may begin to look hazy, blurred or less defined, almost as though you are looking through a fogged window. This can make it harder to read small print, recognise faces from a distance or see fine details clearly.

Increased Sensitivity to Glare

Bright sunlight, headlights and indoor lighting may become increasingly uncomfortable. You may also notice halos around lights, particularly when driving at night.

Difficulty Seeing in Low Light

Cataracts reduce the amount and quality of light reaching the retina. As a result, you may find it increasingly difficult to see in dim restaurants, walk safely in poorly lit areas or drive after dark.

Colours Appearing Faded or Yellow

Changes in colour perception can be subtle. Colours may appear less vivid, while whites can take on a yellowish or brownish tint as the cataract becomes more advanced.

Frequent Changes to Your Glasses Prescription

Changes in your glasses prescription may sometimes occur as cataracts develop, particularly in the earlier stages. Updating your prescription may improve your vision temporarily, but it cannot remove the clouding within the natural lens. If your vision remains blurred or unclear despite an updated prescription, an eye examination can help determine whether cataracts or another eye condition is contributing to the problem.

How Do You Know It Is Cataracts and Not Another Eye Problem?

Symptoms alone cannot confirm that you have cataracts. Blurred vision, glare and reduced visual clarity can also occur with refractive errors and other eye conditions, so an eye examination is needed to identify the cause.

Your ophthalmologist may check your visual acuity and use a slit lamp to examine the lens and other structures within the eye. Your pupils may also be dilated for a more detailed examination. Together, these assessments help determine whether a cataract is affecting your vision, whether another eye condition may be present and whether monitoring or cataract surgery may eventually be appropriate.

Cataract Assessment and Care With Dr Leo Seo Wei

Knowing what is behind a change in your eyesight can make it easier to decide what to do next. A proper assessment can establish whether cataracts are present, how much they are affecting your vision and whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate at this stage.

At our cataract clinic in Singapore, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Leo Seo Wei provides cataract care spanning diagnosis, ongoing monitoring and treatment planning, with recommendations guided by your visual needs, daily activities and lifestyle.

If changes in your vision are becoming more noticeable or you are concerned about cataracts, schedule a consultation for a comprehensive eye assessment and personalised recommendations on the next steps.