Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts
Read on for more information about cataract symptoms and prevention
   

A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the clear lens of your eye. Your vision might get clouded because of a cataract, leading to more difficulty when you read, drive a car, or even go about your daily life. Distance vision is also affected and many people have problems with glare. Cataracts don’t generally cause pain or irritation.
Unfortunately, clouding of the lens is a normal part of getting older. In fact, most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight early on. However, as the clouding progresses, the cataract eventually interferes with your vision.
Stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with the vision problems in the early stages. However, if impaired vision jeopardizes your normal lifestyle at some point, you might need surgery to repair your vision. Cataract removal is one of the safest, most common surgical procedures.
Signs and symptoms  of Cataracts
Cataracts develop gradually and painlessly; the cloudiness may affect only a small part of the lens and you may be unaware of any vision loss. Your vision becomes impaired as your vision becomes increasingly cloudy and less light is let through your lens. Symptoms of a cataract may include clouded, dim vision, difficulty with night vision, halos around lights, sensitivity to glare and light, the need for brighter light for reading, yellowing or fading of colors, changes in eyeglass prescription, or double vision in a single eye.
Light from the sun, lamps or oncoming headlights may seem too bright when you have a cataract. Additionally, glare and halos around lights can make driving uncomfortable and dangerous, and eyestrain and blinking become more common. The appearance of your eye is usually not affected by cataracts, and other signs such as itching, redness, and discharge may signal some other eye disorder.
If the cataract becomes completely white, this can be dangerous to the physical health of your eye. This is a condition known as a hypermature cataract and it can cause inflammation, headache, and pain.
Cataract Treatment
Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. You will need to get a clear lens implant to replace your real lens. Sometimes, cataracts are removed without putting in implant lens. In this case, your vision would be corrected through corrective contact lens or prescription glasses.
Cataract Prevention
Although most cataracts occur with age and can't be avoided altogether, you can take steps to slow cataract development. For instance, avoid smoking and eat a balanced diet—this will help you avoid free radicals, which are known to foster a higher risk of cataracts. Also, protect your eyes from ultraviolet light, and make sure to take care of all existing health problems.