Cataract Symptoms
Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts affect nearly everyone at some point–they are a normal part of the aging process. The age at which they occur in your eyes can vary greatly, however, due to a number of factors such as genetics, diet, even where you lived at age 13. So it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of cataracts, which include worsening vision and loss of color or contrast sensitivity.
This page contains detailed descriptions of major cataract symptoms, but the only way to know whether your symptoms are actually related to cataracts is to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Please call 816-358-3600 or email Silverstein Eye Centers today for an appointment at either of our Kansas City locations.
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
- Sudden changes in a prescription for glasses or contacts that has long been stable
- Clouded or blurry vision
- Loss of color and contrast sensitivity
- Glare, starbursts, and halos may appear when you step out in the sun or look at lights
- Loss of night vision
- Double vision or multiple images
When you notice these symptoms, it might be time to consider cataract surgery to correct your vision symptoms.
When Can You Get Cataract Surgery?
In the past, it was necessary to wait until cataracts “matured” before you could get cataract surgery. Now you are able to get cataract surgery or clear lens exchange (CLE) even before you begin to experience cataract symptoms.
However, if you want insurance to cover your cataract surgery, you generally have to wait until your insurance policy considers the procedure medically necessary. One common test of this is your best Snellen correctable visual acuity (BSCVA) reaches 20/50 or worse. In Missouri, 20/40 vision is necessary to maintain a driver’s license, and the inability to operate a motor vehicle is considered a significant disability.
In addition, we will have to verify that the cause of your vision impairment is cataracts and that you will likely be able to achieve BSCVA of 20/40 of better after cataract surgery.
To learn whether you are currently a good candidate for cataract surgery, please contact Silverstein Eye Centers in Kansas City.
