Symptoms
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Gradual reduction in visual acuity, usually for distance more than near vision, although both can be affected.
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Glare, particularly when driving and seeing oncoming headlights. Both eyes may be affected; one may be worse than the other.
Signs
These depend on how advanced the cataracts are. Advanced cataracts are more rare now because of increased awareness about the benefits of cataract surgery and more streamlined services associated with reduced waiting times for surgery. An advanced, white cataract may be visible with a pen torch.
Most cataracts are more subtle. Looking (through a direct ophthalmoscope) at the red reflex from a distance of 0.5 m you may be able to see shadows in the red reflex that correspond to areas of lens opacity, ie cataract.
When a patient is being considered for treatment of cataract, a large part of the examination is ruling out other causes of reduced vision or glare, and confirming that the cataract is the actual source of the patients problems.
Learn more about Cataracts...
Learn more about other eye conditions