Deteriorating eyesight is often something associated with getting older.
While you are more likely to suffer with vision problems as you age, they can also be exacerbated by other factors such as diabetes, obesity and injury.
One eye condition usually linked to getting older is cataracts.
Cataracts are cloudy patches that appear on the lenses of your eyes, making it more difficult to see.
If not treated in time they can result in vision loss.
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Therefore, it is important to be aware of the early signs of the condition.
According to one expert one symptom of cataracts will occur at night.
Specialist eye consultant and founder of London Ophthalmology Centre, Vik Sharma, warned that difficulty with vision at night is an “early” sign of cataracts.
However, a recent eye health survey commissioned by the centre revealed that only 33 percent of people in the UK were aware of this symptom.
Mr Sharma explained: “It is concerning to see how few people are aware of the different types of symptoms that can be early signs of cataracts.
“Being aware of all the symptoms means people will be aware they might be suffering much earlier and take control of when they decide to address the issue.
“Far too often we see patients who have been struggling with their vision for far too long because of cataracts and they are completely unaware they could have had the quick procedure months or even years earlier.
“Many are also not told or don’t know about the different lens options available and that they can choose intraocular lenses (IOL) that give you perfect sight.”
The survey also found that just 72 percent of Britons were aware that clouded vision (the most common sign) was a symptom of cataracts.
Mr Sharma added other symptoms of cataracts to look out for.
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Seeing halos around lights
“25 percent of the public are aware that seeing halos around lights is a common symptom,” Mr Sharma said.
Fading or yellowing of colours
He said: “Seeing a change in colours either becoming less fibrant or yellowing is often a sign someone could be suffering from cataracts.”
Heightened sensitivity to light and glare
“Only 23 percent of the UK public was aware that this is a common early-stage symptom of cataracts,” he said.
Double vision in a single eye
He commented: “Seeing double only in one eye (not both) is another sign that someone may have cataracts. “
Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription
Mr Sharma added: “Only 15 percent of the public are aware that If someone has had to frequently change prescription it is often related to cataracts.”
If you experience any symptoms of cataracts you should speak to an optician or GP.
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