It is normal for your vision to change over time. Many people need updated glasses or contact lenses as they age, especially as the eye’s natural focusing ability changes. But if your prescription keeps shifting, your vision still feels cloudy after getting new lenses, or night driving has become harder, it may be time to look beyond your glasses.
One possible cause is cataracts.
A cataract happens when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. As proteins in the lens break down, vision may become blurry, hazy, dim, or less colorful.
Cataracts often develop slowly, which means many patients do not notice a dramatic change at first. Instead, they may feel like their glasses are no longer working as well as they used to.
Why Cataracts Can Change Your Prescription
Your eye’s lens helps focus light clearly on the retina. When that lens becomes cloudy, it can change how light passes through the eye. In some cases, this can create changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription.
Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription are one possible symptom of cataracts, along with blurred vision, trouble seeing at night, glare, halos around lights, and fading or yellowing of colors.
This does not mean every prescription change is a cataract. Vision can change for many reasons, including normal aging, dry eye, diabetes, medication changes, eye strain, or other eye conditions. But when prescription changes become frequent, sudden, or paired with other symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam is important.
Signs Your Changing Prescription May Be Cataract-Related
A cataract-related vision change may feel different from simply needing stronger glasses. You may notice that your vision looks cloudy even with an updated prescription. You may need a brighter light to read. Colors may seem duller. Glare from headlights or sunlight may feel more intense. Night driving may become uncomfortable or unsafe.
Cataract symptoms can include blurry vision, faded colors, sensitivity to light, trouble seeing at night, and double vision. A dilated eye exam is used to diagnose cataracts.
When Glasses Are No Longer Enough
In the early stages of cataracts, a new prescription for glasses may help improve vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that stronger glasses may be useful early on, but cataracts can continue to progress over time.
When glasses or contacts can no longer correct your vision, cataract surgery may be the most effective treatment option.
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation with Vision for Life
If your glasses prescription keeps changing or your vision still feels cloudy after an update, do not assume it is just part of aging.
Contact Vision for Life today to schedule a cataract eye exam and find out whether cataracts or another vision condition may be affecting your sight.
