Cataract Surgery

Problems With Night Vision For Those With Cataracts

One of the first signs that a person is suffering from cataracts is when they have difficulty with night vision. This is often the first sign that a person that a person has a problem. The symptoms of the condition itself are typically very few, and some people may never experience a single symptom. The only reason they know they have a problem is when their regular eye doctor notices the problem forming. Those who do notice their cataracts may attribute the night vision problem to their body growing older.

Cataracts and night vision are closely related. That is not to say that the two are mutually exclusive. An individual may have cataracts and never experience any night vision problems, and vice versa, but often it can be a sign of a larger problem. Before we examine the connection between cataracts and night vision, we should explain exactly what night vision is. Night vision is essentially the way the human eye sees in the dark. This includes complete darkness, and situations where there is a lack of light.

When an individual’s cataracts begin to affect their night vision, they will notice that they have difficulty seeing at night, and need to use more light to see properly. They may avoid movie theaters for the simple reason that they cannot see the screen properly. They may also use more lights in their house, even when they are simply watching television in their own living room. These are all problems that exist between cataracts and night vision.

The main problem people with cataracts will notice in regards to their night vision involves driving at night. Many individuals find it difficult to drive at night, and many more find it impossible. This can be the first sign that sends them to the eye doctor. They begin to struggle at first, with seeing signs and then notice that they can only see properly when the streets are lit or the sun is out. Once this condition becomes more pronounced, they will no longer be able to drive at night until the cataract is fixed through surgery. Many individuals are forced by their doctor to seek a new license, that prevents them from driving at night. This can encourage the sufferer to seek treatment faster, and to have the surgery sooner then they originally planned.

The connection between cataracts and night vision is a pronounced one. There are exceptions such as those who have night vision, but not a cataract, and those with cataracts who do not have night vision problems, but those cases are fairly rare.  Many individuals instead notice their night vision problems, which encourages them to visit their eye doctor, and seek treatment for their condition.