Symptoms of cataracts

Written by Li Min
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The symptoms of cataracts are diverse. Firstly, the most primary manifestation is a decline in vision, which is a painless and gradual decrease. Unlike glaucoma, where the decrease in vision is accompanied by swelling pain in the eyes and even headaches, the vision decrease in cataracts occurs gradually and not suddenly. If the onset is sudden, then it is generally not considered to be caused by cataracts. Besides the painless, gradual decline in vision, some patients may experience a decrease in contrast sensitivity, and changes in refraction. For example, patients who have presbyopia might find that their presbyopia diminishes and their nearsightedness worsens if they develop cataracts, particularly nuclear cataracts. Some people may experience monocular diplopia or polyopia, as well as varying degrees of visual field defects.

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Written by Li Min
Ophthalmology
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Symptoms of cataracts

The symptoms of cataracts are diverse. Firstly, the most primary manifestation is a decline in vision, which is a painless and gradual decrease. Unlike glaucoma, where the decrease in vision is accompanied by swelling pain in the eyes and even headaches, the vision decrease in cataracts occurs gradually and not suddenly. If the onset is sudden, then it is generally not considered to be caused by cataracts. Besides the painless, gradual decline in vision, some patients may experience a decrease in contrast sensitivity, and changes in refraction. For example, patients who have presbyopia might find that their presbyopia diminishes and their nearsightedness worsens if they develop cataracts, particularly nuclear cataracts. Some people may experience monocular diplopia or polyopia, as well as varying degrees of visual field defects.

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Written by Deng Jiang Tao
Ophthalmology
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Is vitreous opacity cataract?

Vitreous opacity and cataract are two different concepts; they are two different diseases. Vitreous opacity occurs when the collagen in the vitreous cavity slowly emulsifies into a turbidity. A cataract occurs when the lens inside the human eye becomes cloudy, forming a cataract. These are two completely different diseases, and their treatment methods are generally different as well. Cataract treatment primarily involves surgery, whereas vitreous opacity, including floaters, does not require surgical treatment.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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The main symptoms of cataracts

The main symptoms of cataracts include: First, a decline in vision, which is the most obvious and significant symptom of cataracts. Second, a decrease in contrast sensitivity, particularly noticeable at high spatial frequencies in cataract patients. Third, changes in refractive power. Nuclear cataracts lead to increased lens power due to an increase in the lens and refractive index, causing nuclear myopia. Fourth, monocular diplopia or polyopia due to uneven refractive power across different parts of the lens, similar to the effect of a prism, resulting in monocular diplopia or polyopia. Fifth, glare. Sixth, changes in color perception. Seventh, varying degrees of visual field defects.

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Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
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Can cataracts be treated without surgery?

In the early stages of cataracts, if one's vision is still greater than 0.3 and they feel it does not affect daily life, it is possible to initially observe without immediate intervention. If the cataracts have significantly worsened vision and greatly impacted the quality of life, and the severity of the cataracts is considerable, then it is advisable to undergo cataract surgery at an appropriate time. Currently, cataract surgery is very advanced, and the only treatment option for cataracts is surgical intervention, as medication is not very effective.

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Written by Deng Jiang Tao
Ophthalmology
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Consequences of not undergoing cataract surgery

First, it is important to understand what cataracts are. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens cortex, which commonly refers to the gradual whitening of the central pupil area, the black part of the eye. Cataracts, based on their stage of development, are divided into early, middle, and late stages. In the early stage of cataract, the vision is slightly impaired. In the middle stage, the cortex becomes moderately clouded, and vision might still be around 0.4 or 0.5. In the late stage, the cataract is severely matured, generally with vision lower than 0.3. Cataract in its early and middle stages might not necessarily require immediate surgery. However, in late stages, when vision drops below 0.3, surgery should be considered. If not treated surgically, the mature cataract can completely block light, progressively decreasing vision and eventually leading to blindness. Therefore, it is advisable to consider surgical treatment for cataracts in the late stage.