Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision changes as we age, but many people do not realize they have them until everyday tasks start feeling more difficult. Because cataracts develop gradually, early symptoms can be subtle and easy to dismiss. Understanding the first signs, your personal risk, and when to seek treatment can make a significant difference in preserving your long-term vision. At Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton, Dr. Gupta provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options to help patients maintain clear, comfortable sight at every stage of life.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, making it harder for light to pass through clearly. This clouding typically develops slowly over time and can affect one or both eyes. Many people describe the early stages as looking through a foggy window or noticing that colors appear duller than before. While cataracts are a common part of aging, they can also develop earlier due to medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or previous eye injuries. Because cataracts progress gradually, many people do not realize how much their vision has changed until daily activities start to feel more difficult.
At Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton, Dr. Gupta specializes in diagnosing and treating cataracts, helping patients maintain clear, sharp vision through every stage of life.
Who is at Risk for Cataracts?
Although cataracts often affect adults over the age of 60, anyone can develop them. Several factors increase your risk, including:
- Aging
- A family history of cataracts
- Sun exposure without UV protection
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Long-term use of certain medications, such as steroids
- Previous eye surgery or trauma
Understanding your personal risk can help you stay proactive with routine eye exams, especially if you begin to notice changes in your vision. Early diagnosis gives you more options and allows your ophthalmologist to monitor progression over time.
The Early Signs of Cataracts
Cataracts may start subtly, but certain changes in your vision can signal that something is wrong. Paying attention to these early signs can help you seek care sooner and protect your long-term vision.
Difficulty Driving
Many patients first notice problems while driving, especially at night. Cataracts can make it harder to see road signs clearly, judge distances, or react quickly to shifting traffic conditions. Headlights from oncoming cars may seem brighter and more intense, making nighttime driving stressful or unsafe. If you find yourself avoiding driving after dark or feeling less confident behind the wheel, it may be time for an eye evaluation.
Glare
Glare is one of the most common early symptoms of cataracts. You may notice excessive brightness or discomfort when looking at lamps, sunlight, or reflective surfaces. Even simple tasks like walking outside on a sunny day or working on your computer may feel harder because your eyes cannot process light as well. Glare often becomes more noticeable in situations where lighting changes quickly, such as stepping indoors after being in bright sunlight.
Halos
Halos appear as glowing rings around lights and are especially noticeable at night. Streetlights, car headlights, and even indoor lighting can look distorted or blurred. This occurs because the cloudy lens bends light irregularly. Halos can make nighttime activities more difficult and may become increasingly bothersome as cataracts progress.
What Happens if Cataracts are Untreated?
If left untreated, cataracts continue to worsen over time. Vision becomes increasingly blurred, colors fade, and daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces can become challenging. In advanced stages, cataracts can cause significant vision loss and may interfere with your overall quality of life.
Although cataracts do not cause permanent blindness in most cases, delaying treatment makes it harder to maintain your independence and comfort. Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine, offering long-lasting improvement.
How to Treat Cataracts
The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Gupta removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens. This modern lens not only restores clarity but may also reduce your need for glasses depending on your vision goals. Cataract surgery is typically quick, comfortable, and performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients experience noticeable improvement within days as their vision becomes sharper and colors appear more vibrant.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are starting to notice cloudy vision, glare, or difficulty driving at night, now is the time to schedule an evaluation. At Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton and Tamarac, Dr. Gupta and her team provide comprehensive cataract care using state-of-the-art technology and personalized treatment plans. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and helps you preserve your vision for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
