How to spot the early signs of cataracts

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss among people over 40 years old.

But ophthalmologists say the condition can sneak up on you because early signs can be subtle.

Sunlight, high blood pressure and smoking are just a few factors that can lead to cataracts. The condition is caused by protein cells in the eye that clump together and start to cloud over small parts of the lens. Over time, cataracts can grow larger, obscuring vision in larger areas.

Dr. Richard Gans of The Cleveland Clinic treats cataracts and says at first, signs may not be obvious.

He says, "(Patients) may have increased glare from lights coming towards them. It may feel like they need more light in order to see. Details get difficult to see, and small print is difficult to see."

There are things you can do to help prevent or delay cataracts.

For example, wearing sunglasses and a hat with a large brim that blocks ultraviolet light will help. And studies show that eating lots of green leafy vegetables, and other anti-oxidants rich foods will help reduce your risk of cataracts.

Besides exposure to sunlight, Dr. Gans says there are other things, like medications, and certain medical conditions like diabetes which can all increase the risk of developing cataracts

When cataracts begin to interfere with a person's ability to perform the normal activities of daily living; that's when experts say they become a real concern.

But Dr. Gans notes that cataracts can be surgically removed.

He says, "The surgery for cataracts is very, very successful and very safe, but there are new technologies that are available to us now that offer greater opportunities for restored vision with cataract surgery."

He explains that other eye issues, like an astigmatism can be corrected during cataract surgery using computer guided lasers. He says the surgery can take as little as ten minutes and the recovery process can take as little as a day or two.

Since cataracts are a common condition as we age, ophthalmologists recommend getting your vision checked every year, especially after age 50.

And if you have any other risk factors, or a medical condition like diabetes that increases your risk, you may need to get an eye exam more often.