Cataracts are a common eye condition that typically develops due to changes that happen within the eye as people age. They can lead to a variety of visual symptoms, including blurred and distorted vision, among others.
Keep reading to learn more about cataracts, including whether or not they can cause double vision!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This clouding occurs when proteins inside the lens break down and clump together over time.
As cataracts progress, they begin to block light from reaching the light sensitive retina at the back of the eye, resulting in blurred or diminished vision. While age is the primary factor contributing to cataract development, other factors such as genetics, certain medical conditions, and prolonged sun exposure can also play a role.
What Are Common Symptoms of Cataracts?
As cataracts develop, they can give rise to a variety of visual symptoms. One of the earliest indications is blurred or hazy vision, impacting your ability to see clearly up close and at a distance.
Those with cataracts often find themselves more sensitive to bright lights and glare, which can lead to discomfort in well-lit environments. Additionally, seeing clearly in low-light conditions, like during nighttime driving, can become challenging due to cataract-related difficulties.
Colors may lose their vibrancy and appear faded or washed out to those experiencing cataracts. The need for frequent adjustments in glasses or contact lens prescriptions might also signal the progression of cataracts.
While uncommon, double vision or diplopia can also occur due to cataracts. Double vision can cause you to perceive two images of a single object.
This symptom can appear due to the way cataracts affect the way light enters the eye and how the brain processes visual information. If you’re experiencing any changes in your vision, including double vision, seeking guidance from an eye care professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
What Causes Double Vision?
Double vision, also called diplopia, occurs when you see two images of a single object instead of one. It can result from various underlying factors, such as:
Eye Muscle Imbalance
Double vision can occur when the muscles that control eye movement do not work together properly.
Refractive Errors
Conditions like astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness can cause light entering the eye to be focused improperly, leading to double vision.
Neurological Issues
Problems with the nerves that transmit visual information from the eyes to the brain can result in double vision.
Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma to the eye area or head can affect the eyes’ alignment, causing double vision.
Although these are some of the most common causes of double vision, there are other reasons why you may be seeing double. For example, advanced dry eye can even cause similar visual disturbances.
If you are experiencing double vision, it’s important not to assume the cause. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor right away to determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Can Double Vision Be a Sign of Cataracts?
While cataracts are primarily associated with blurred vision and other symptoms mentioned earlier, they can indirectly contribute to double vision. Cataracts can cause a refractive error, altering the way light enters the eye and creating a discrepancy in the images received by each eye.
This discrepancy can lead to double vision. This is because cataracts usually develop in one eye before affecting the other.
If you’re experiencing double vision or any changes in your vision, scheduling an appointment at Rosenthal Eye Surgery in Great Neck, New York, is essential. Early detection and treatment of cataracts can help preserve your vision and overall eye health, ensuring that you continue to enjoy clear and comfortable sight.
Are you searching for a cataract surgeon in the New York area? Schedule an appointment at Rosenthal Eye Surgery in Great Neck, NY, today!
