Cataract,Cataract Surgery,Eye Health
Have your glasses stopped helping the way they used to? Do lights seem brighter—or blurrier—than before? If you live in Hanford or the surrounding Central Valley communities, these changes may be early signs of cataracts.
Cataracts develop gradually, which makes them easy to ignore at first. Many people assume vision changes are just part of getting older. However, early detection makes a real difference in protecting your eyesight and maintaining your quality of life.
In this guide, the eye care experts at Kings Eye Center in Hanford explain the early signs of cataracts, when to seek care, and how local patients can take proactive steps this year.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract forms when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. This clouding prevents light from passing clearly through the lens, which leads to blurred or distorted vision.
Cataracts:
- Develop slowly over time
- Affect one or both eyes
- Are most common after age 60
- Can also occur earlier due to health conditions, sun exposure, or eye injuries
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment, but they are also highly treatable with modern eye care.
Early Signs of Cataracts to Watch For
1. Blurry or Cloudy Vision
Many patients describe cataract vision as looking through a foggy window. Objects may appear hazy even with updated glasses or contact lenses.
2. Increased Sensitivity to Light
If bright sunlight or indoor lighting feels uncomfortable, cataracts may be scattering light inside your eye instead of focusing it properly.
3. Trouble Seeing at Night
Night driving becomes difficult for many Hanford patients with early cataracts, especially due to:
- Headlight glare
- Reduced contrast
- Halos around lights
4. Colors Look Faded or Yellowed
Cataracts can dull color perception, making whites look yellow and colors appear less vibrant.
5. Frequent Changes in Prescription
If your eyeglass prescription keeps changing but vision never feels sharp, cataracts may be the underlying cause.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Cataracts?
You may have a higher risk if you:
- Are over age 60
- Have diabetes
- Spend long hours outdoors
- Smoke or previously smoked
- Have had eye injuries or surgery
Residents of Hanford, Lemoore, Armona, and surrounding communities often experience increased UV exposure, which can accelerate cataract development without proper eye protection.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
At Kings Eye Center, cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Slit-lamp examination
- Retinal evaluation
- Prescription assessment
These tests are painless and provide a clear picture of your eye health.
Living With Cataracts: What You Can Do Now
If cataracts are detected early, your eye doctor may recommend:
- Updated glasses or contacts
- Brighter lighting at home
- Anti-glare lenses
- UV-protective sunglasses
These steps can help maintain vision while monitoring progression.
Are Your Symptoms Actually Cataracts? Take the Self-Test!
Sometimes it is hard to tell if your vision changes are just a part of getting older or if a cataract is truly forming. To help you get a clearer picture of your eye health from the comfort of your home, we have developed a quick and easy tool.
We invite you to take our Free Cataract Self-Test. This short assessment asks key questions about your daily visual experiences and helps determine if it’s time to see a specialist.
Patients Review
This was my first visit with Dr. Hernandez to assess the status of my cataracts. The testing done and her exam were very thorough. I am confident in her evaluation and trust her assessment. I would recommend her to anyone seeking treatment for cataracts or glaucoma.
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Hanford Today
If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, don’t wait. Cataracts progress slowly—but early care protects your sight.
