VisionAware

Vision Changes That Affect Daily Functioning

1. Blurred or hazy vision

• This lack of detail makes it difficult to tell time, read, watch television, see food on a plate, and walk safely indoors and outdoors, since depth perception may also be affected. Some people with cataracts describe the effect as being similar to looking through a window that is hazy and streaked with dirt
• Difficulty with reading regular print and need a brighter light in order to do more focused tasks. However, as this change occurs gradually, most people are not aware that their lighting requirements may have changed over time.
• Frequent changes in prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• Development—or worsening—of nearsightedness

• In order to see an object clearly against a background of the same color for example a brown chair against a dark rug, becomes more difficult and requires an increase in background contrast in order to make it stand out
• This also effects depth perception, such as judging the height of a step or curb, or the depth of a bathtub
• Reduced color perception can make it difficult to tell the brown and blue sock apart.

• Especially bright sunlight and room lights. Although we need more light as we get older, too much light can also cause problems. Bright outdoor sunlight or reflected light from a hallway with highly polished floors can make it difficult to see clearly because too much light can also produce glare, which can interfere with seeing our surroundings clearly.
• People also tend to notice difficulty with night driving, due to glare from oncoming headlights.
• Also complain of seeing halos around lights especially at night.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• Seeing “halos” around lights, especially at night.
• Double vision (diplopia), or seeing a “ghost” image when using the affected eye. Double vision can also be a sign of a serious neurological condition and always needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
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