Cataracts Don’t Happen Overnight—Know the Early Signs
May is Healthy Vision Month, making it the perfect time to prioritize your eye health. If you’ve noticed subtle changes in your vision—like increased glare, dimming colors, or trouble driving at night—you may be experiencing the early effects of cataracts.
At Westlake Eye Specialists, we help patients in Austin, South Austin, Killeen, Kyle, and New Braunfels identify and treat cataracts early, before they interfere with your everyday life. Early diagnosis means more options, more comfort, and better outcomes—especially when you’re proactive about your vision.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. This lens is responsible for focusing light onto your retina, enabling clear vision. As we age—typically after 50—the proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, creating cloudy patches that scatter light and reduce visual clarity.
While cataracts are most common in seniors, early-stage cataracts can appear in your 40s and 50s—especially if you have risk factors such as:
- Diabetes
- Long-term sun exposure
- Smoking
- Family history of cataracts
- Use of corticosteroid medications
- Previous eye trauma or surgery
7 Early Warning Signs of Cataracts
Cataracts develop slowly, which can make the symptoms easy to overlook. Many people dismiss them as just “getting older” or needing new glasses. Here are 7 early warning signs that it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam:
- Blurry Vision That Doesn’t Improve with Glasses
If your vision stays foggy even after updating your prescription, cataracts may be the cause. - Increased Sensitivity to Light or Glare
Bright sunlight, headlights, or indoor lighting may cause more discomfort than usual. - Halos Around Lights
Rings or halos around streetlights and headlights—especially at night—are classic signs of early lens clouding. - Dull or Faded Colors
Colors may appear more muted or yellowish, as if you’re looking through a brown film. - Night Vision Problems
You may find it increasingly difficult to see clearly in low-light situations, particularly while driving. - Frequent Prescription Changes
If your glasses or contacts need to be updated frequently, it may not be your vision—it could be your lens clarity. - Double Vision in One Eye
Seeing ghost images or doubling in a single eye (not caused by misalignment) can be a cataract-related symptom.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Cataracts are progressive—they will not go away on their own and typically worsen with time. The good news? Catching them early gives you options and helps prevent avoidable vision loss.
At Westlake Eye Specialists, our comprehensive eye exams allow us to detect cataracts in their early stages. Once identified, we’ll work with you to monitor their progression and discuss potential treatments when the time is right.
Benefits of Early Detection:
- You can monitor vision changes and prepare for treatment.
- You’ll have more IOL choices, such as the Light Adjustable Lens, available before cataracts become too advanced.
- You can maintain your quality of life longer and avoid driving limitations or fall risks.
- You build a trusted relationship with your eye surgeon before surgery is necessary.
Cataract Evaluations Across Central Texas
No matter where you live in Central Texas, our team is here to guide you through the process of cataract detection and care. Each of our locations provides easy access to advanced diagnostics and trusted professionals:
Austin & South Austin
From Westlake to South Austin, we serve busy professionals, retirees, and families with personalized eye care and state-of-the-art cataract technology.
Killeen
Caring for military veterans, service members, and local residents, our Killeen clinic provides in-depth cataract evaluations close to Fort Cavazos.
Kyle
Located conveniently for residents in Buda, San Marcos, and the surrounding I-35 corridor, our Kyle team offers compassionate care and clear communication.
New Braunfels
We proudly serve one of Central Texas’ fastest-growing communities with full-service cataract evaluations and treatment options.
Your Next Steps: What to Expect During a Cataract Exam
Our cataract evaluations go beyond standard vision tests. We use advanced imaging systems to assess the health of your lens, retina, and overall eye structure. Here’s what your visit may include:
- Visual acuity test (how well you see at various distances)
- Slit-lamp exam to magnify and inspect the eye’s internal structures
- Retinal evaluation to ensure no underlying eye disease
- Lens imaging and topography to assess the severity and location of lens clouding
If we find early cataract formation, we’ll create a personalized plan based on your lifestyle, vision goals, and medical history. You may not need surgery right away—but it’s better to be prepared.
Schedule Your Cataract Screening Today
If you’re in Austin, South Austin, Killeen, Kyle, or New Braunfels, don’t wait for your vision to decline. Schedule a cataract evaluation with Westlake Eye Specialists and let us help you stay ahead of vision changes.
📞 Call your nearest office or visit www.westlakeeyes.com to request an appointment online.
This May, make your vision a priority—because noticing the early signs of cataracts can make all the difference.
