Cloudy Vision May Be A Sign of Cataracts
Your sight is undeniably one of the most important senses that you have. As such, when you notice that your vision is not quite what it used to be, you may begin to feel anxious and want to know what’s going on. The most common reason why you may be experiencing cloudy vision is due to something is known as a cataract.
What Are Cataracts?
Getting a cataract is a condition where the lens of your eye physically becomes cloudy. The lenses of your eyes are typically clear, helping focus the world around you and providing your brain visual signals to process what you see. When you get cataracts, that window to the world becomes foggy.
The most well-known symptom of cataracts is cloudy vision, but there are other symptoms to be on the lookout for. Conditions such as not being able to see as clearly in low-light environments or seeing halos around sources of light can be a sign of cataracts, as well as increased sensitivity to light. Colors may appear to be washed-out or faded. In some cases, cataracts can be worse in one eye than the other, causing double vision as your brain tries to compensate.
What Else Causes Clouded Vision?
There are also other causes for clouded vision. The cornea may be a source for clouded vision in a condition known as Fuchs’ dystrophy. The retina may also be a source for clouded vision in a condition known as macular degeneration.
Fuchs’ Dystrophy
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a disease of the cornea that causes a specific layer of corneal cells to die off, leading to fluid build-up that can cloud your vision. This layer of cells is known as the endothelium and it is responsible for providing fluid to the rest of the cornea to keep vision clear. When these cells break down, that fluid builds up in places where it shouldn’t, causing clouded vision. It is more common in women, especially people who have a family history of the disease, and people over the age of 50. Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a treatable condition.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina that is classified as either “wet” or “dry.” Dry degeneration involves deposits building up under the retina’s center, while wet degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels forming and leaking fluid around the retina. With this condition, your vision may become wavy, cloudy, or blurred. It is more common in Caucasians than other races and smoking can increase the risks of developing it. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are ways to slow its progression.
Schedule an Appointment at Boston Vision
If you notice that your vision has become cloudier than it used to be, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with an experienced clinic. Cataracts are easily treatable, as is Fuchs’ dystrophy, and macular degeneration can be slowed if it is caught early. In order to know what is causing your clouded vision, you should set up a consultation with Boston Vision in Boston, MA. Schedule your first consultation by calling one of our office locations or filling out a contact form online today.
