Fast-Growing Cataracts: What Seniors in Bellefontaine Should Know

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people under the age of 40 don't have much to fear from cataracts. But as people get older, proteins in the eyes start to break down.

This process usually doesn't cause any noticeable problems until around the retirement stage. However, some seniors experience fast-growing cataracts, which can cause rapid vision changes.

Thankfully, cataract symptoms are not an inevitable part of aging eyesight, and these symptoms can be resolved. Read on to learn more about this important senior eye health topic for older adults in Bellefontaine, OH.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are essentially caused by crystalline proteins that are found in your eyes. These proteins are much more present as we age. Fast-growing cataracts are a more aggressive form of this condition because the crystalline proteins are more centered around the lens of the eye, and this causes light to diffract through the crystals, resulting in blurred vision.

It's essential that seniors don't discount these vision concerns as another part of aging.

By making regular visits to the ophthalmologist and diligently keeping track of vision metrics and how eyesight changes from year to year, seniors can catch early signs of cataracts and potentially reverse them. So who's at risk of getting cataracts?

People tend to get cataracts around the time they move into an assisted living community, but there are some other risk factors. For example, those who have diabetes or other chronic illnesses might be more vulnerable, and so might those who rely on certain kinds of medications such as steroids, which have been linked to cataracts. Genetic predisposition is also an important factor, so if cataracts run in your family, you'll likely get them as well.

The earlier you catch the symptoms, the easier it is to reverse. According to the Eye Centre of Texas, finding symptoms early means doctors can do a lot to improve your vision and slow the progression of the condition.

Through lifestyle changes and medical treatments, seniors can improve their vision.

The Signs of Fast-Growing Cataracts

Given that seniors often dismiss gradual vision changes as being part of normal aging eyesight, it's important that their loved ones know the potential signs. Here are the most common ones.

Blurry or Foggy Vision

According to The EyeDoctors Optometrists, one of the telltale signs of cataracts is blurry or foggy vision. Seniors might see a gradual haze clouding their vision, making it harder to pick out details or see faraway objects.

Light Sensitivity and Poor Dark Vision

Seniors who are developing fast-growing cataracts might also find it hard to find the light switch in dim rooms or get their keys in the door after dark. They might also struggle with driving at night.

In addition to poor night vision, seniors with cataracts may also struggle with sensitivity to light. It may be hard to make things out under the glare of the sun. Again, the light sensitivity affects driving as people with cataracts may feel headlights are harsh and blinding.

These lights might also appear to emit rings or halos. Clearly, if cataract symptoms are left unaddressed and are allowed to progress, they could cause a senior to lose their driving license.

Trouble With Telling Colors Apart

Seniors with fast-growing cataracts might also complain of colors looking less vivid. They might struggle to tell colors apart. With cataracts, blues and purples can blur into one, making it harder to coordinate outfits.

Whites may start looking beige, making it harder to read. Loved ones might notice that seniors are constantly changing the display settings on devices like phones and tablets. That's because cataracts can make screens difficult to read.

Who Is Most at Risk for Cataracts?

Any senior is vulnerable to cataracts, but there are some risk factors that seniors should keep in mind. For example, there are chronic illnesses like diabetes that will make seniors much more vulnerable to fast-growing cataracts.

Seniors who frequently take steroid medications such as prednisone might also want to consult with their physician, as these medications could increase their risk of getting cataracts.

Individuals with high nearsightedness and myopia are also at risk, as myopia can speed up the accumulation of the harmful proteins in the eye. Seniors who have spent a lifetime in direct sunlight may also be more likely to develop cataracts if they didn't wear appropriate eye protection.

And finally, cataracts are often a hereditary condition, meaning that some families are simply more genetically predisposed to it than others.

Given the range of potential lifestyle factors that could contribute to cataracts, seniors need to visit their ophthalmologist's office regularly. When you check changes to your vision every year or so, you're much more likely to catch the signs of cataracts early.

This means that you'll be able to slow down the progression and even restore vision clarity. The earlier you catch cataracts, the easier it is to reverse them, so you must absolutely encourage seniors with changing vision to visit their ophthalmologist.

Don't dismiss changing eyesight prescriptions as being part of normal aging; if your vision changes at all or if you suspect your loved one is experiencing rapid vision changes, you should address the problem as soon as possible.

Don't Postpone Talking to a Doctor

Elderly people often simply adjust to vision loss without realizing it's a medical condition. But cataracts, especially the rapidly forming kind, can deteriorate vision rapidly.

From trouble driving at night to constantly adjusting screen brightness, the warning signs described in this article shouldn't be ignored.

Eye doctors can identify early cataracts before they impact safety or daily life. Timely treatment helps preserve independence and avoid complications. Routine eye exams could make all the difference.

Visit Our Supportive Senior Living Community

Driving hazards, glare, and falls are common signs of cataracts. But too often, seniors delay treatment, putting themselves at risk.

Take action early. Even fast-growing cataracts are manageable if caught in time.

Dealing with difficulties like cataracts is an uphill battle without meaningful social connections. Here at Campbell Place Assisted Living, our residents share Bellefontaine health tips and help each other to get the best healthcare outcomes.

If you're interested in seeing our supportive community and assisted living options for yourself, you should contact us and schedule a tour.