Self Test For Cataracts: What Signs Should You Worry About?

Have you noticed the world looking slightly foggy lately? Are you growing more sensitive to light, or are colors looking a bit faded? You might shrug it off as a sleepy morning or needing to update your eyeglasses prescription—but sometimes, these subtle shifts hint at something more serious.

At Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we’ve been serving the Greater Reading area for more than 70 years, providing all-encompassing eye care to ensure our patients enjoy crisp, clear vision for a lifetime.

With cataracts, that care starts at home. It’s important to be aware of the signs of cataract progression and to take swift action when you notice them. Here’s what to look for.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cataracts develop very slowly, usually over decades. You might not notice the gradual clouding of your natural lens until normal things like reading, driving, or recognizing the faces of your loved ones become a frustrating challenge.

Catching cataracts in the mild stages can let you plan cataract surgery at your convenience instead of waiting for severe vision loss. It also helps protect your overall eye health, as untreated cataracts can complicate conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

Quick Self‑Tests You Can Try at Home

Nothing replaces a comprehensive eye exam, but you can do some simple checks at home to see if it’s time to schedule an exam:

• Reading under dim light: Choose a small-print book or restaurant menu. You could have cataracts if you squint, tilt the material, or hold it closer than normal.
• Glare sensitivity: When you drive at dusk or dawn, pay close attention to oncoming headlights, streetlights, or even sunlight streaming through the window. It could indicate lens clouding if you frequently see halos, starbursts, or streaks.
• Color fading: Pay close attention to color vibrancy. Does it seem like bright colors look less colorful? Or, compare a crisp white sheet of printer paper with an object that appears pure white (like a dinner plate.) If you view them together and the paper looks dingy or yellowish, a developing cataract could be the problem.
• Blurry patches: Stand in front of a clear glass window. Move your eyes slowly and deliberately across the surface. If you see cloud-like smudges or blurry areas, it could point to cataracts.
• Double vision: Cover one eye at a time and focus on a well-lit object. Do you see “ghost” images or overlapping outlines? This can happen when the lens grows cloudy and scatters light, both major signs of cataracts.

If you notice any of these issues, or have other concerning eye problems, visit our cataract self-test page and provide a few details so we can help. 

We use the latest diagnostic technology to pinpoint the stage of your cataract and map out a treatment plan. Personalized attention means you’ll get answers to every question—from anesthesia options to post‑operative care.

Cataract Evaluations in Wyomissing, PA

Schedule your cataract evaluation in our Wyomissing, PA, office (just outside of Reading) by calling 610-372‑0712 today.