Cataracts develop slowly over time, which means the early warning signs can go unnoticed or ignored for several years. Many people assume their vision changes are just a normal part of getting older. While age does play a role in cataract development, recognizing these symptoms early allows you to take control of your eye health and plan for treatment when you’re ready.

These six warning signs can help you know when it’s time to schedule a cataract evaluation!

1. Blurred or Cloudy Vision

Your vision might seem like you’re looking through a foggy window. Things that used to be sharp and clear now appear hazy or less defined. This blurriness typically starts mild and worsens gradually, which is why many people don’t realize how much their vision has changed until they get new glasses that still don’t seem to help.

This symptom differs from needing a new prescription. When cataracts cause blurriness, changing your glasses won’t fully correct the problem because the cloudiness is inside your eye, not related to how your eye focuses light. You might find yourself squinting more often or struggling to read text that used to be easy to see.

2. Difficulty Seeing at Night

Driving after dark becomes increasingly challenging when cataracts develop. Many people with early cataracts notice they avoid nighttime driving because it feels unsafe or stressful.

The clouded lens doesn’t let as much light reach the back of your eye, which makes seeing in low-light conditions particularly difficult. This symptom often prompts people to schedule their first eye exam because it affects daily activities and safety. If you’ve started feeling anxious about driving at night or if family members have commented on your nighttime vision, consider getting evaluated for cataracts.

3. Fading or Yellowing of Colors

The world might start to look a bit washed out. Colors that used to be vibrant appear duller or less distinct. Some people describe it as if someone turned down the saturation on their vision, making everything look slightly muted.

As cataracts progress, they can develop a yellow or brown tint. This discoloration affects how you perceive colors, particularly in the blue and purple spectrum. You might have trouble distinguishing between similar shades, like navy blue and black, or notice that white objects look yellowish.

This symptom often goes unnoticed because it happens so gradually. You might not realize how much color perception you’ve lost until after cataract surgery when colors suddenly seem bright and vivid again. Patients frequently express surprise at how much they’d been missing.

4. Frequent Prescription Changes

Your eye doctor might seem to be changing your prescription more often than usual. This happens because the changing density and shape of your lens affect how your eye focuses.

Most adults have relatively stable vision once they reach their mid-20s, with only minor prescription changes every few years. If you’re finding yourself at the eye doctor multiple times annually for new prescriptions, especially if you’re over 60, cataracts might be developing.

5. Sensitivity to Light and Glare

Bright lights start to bother your eyes more than they used to. Sunlight might seem uncomfortably intense, or you might find yourself reaching for sunglasses even on overcast days.

One particularly noticeable effect is seeing halos around lights, especially at night. Car headlights, street lamps, and traffic lights might appear to have bright circles around them.

This happens because the cloudy lens scatters light entering your eye rather than allowing it to pass through cleanly.

Many people with this symptom find themselves adjusting their daily routines, which can significantly impact your quality of life and social activities.

6. Difficulty with Reading and Close Work

You might find yourself holding books, menus, or your phone farther away to see the text clearly. Tasks that require seeing fine details, like threading a needle, reading small print, or working on crafts, become frustrating. Even with reading glasses, the text might not seem as crisp as it should be.

Lighting becomes increasingly important. You might notice you need much brighter light to read comfortably, or that you’ve started positioning yourself closer to lamps. Hobbies that involve detailed work, like sewing, model building, or fine woodworking, may become difficult to enjoy.

This gradual decline in your ability to see details clearly can impact your independence and confidence in performing everyday tasks, from cooking to managing medications.

What Causes These Symptoms?

Cataracts form when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This clouding happens when proteins in the lens break down and clump together over time.

Most cataracts develop as part of the natural aging process, typically beginning after age 60. However, certain factors can accelerate their development. Smoking, diabetes, prolonged sun exposure, and eye injuries can all contribute to earlier or faster cataract formation.

Cataracts are highly treatable. When you catch them early, you have more time to prepare for surgery and choose the best lens options for your lifestyle.

At Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, our surgeons perform over 3,500 eye surgeries annually using the latest technology available.

When to Schedule an Eye Exam

Recognizing these early warning signs of cataracts is the first step. The next step is getting a professional evaluation. You don’t need to wait until your vision is significantly impaired to see an eye doctor. In fact, earlier detection gives you more options and more time to make informed decisions about your care.

Schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, especially if they’re affecting your daily activities or quality of life. A comprehensive eye exam can determine whether cataracts are causing your symptoms or if another condition needs attention.

At Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, our specialists use advanced diagnostic equipment to assess your eye health thoroughly. We also provide a range of advanced lens options, including the innovative Light Adjustable Lens, which allows for customization after your surgery.

If you’re experiencing any of these early warning signs of cataracts, schedule a comprehensive eye evaluation at Black Hills Regional Eye Institute in Rapid City, SD, today.