Clouded vision and cataract: which doctor should I see?
A “veil on the eye” is the everyday Bulgarian name for clouding of the lens (cataract), which makes vision blurred. The same words are sometimes used for a growth on the white of the eye. Here you will learn what may be behind clouded vision, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- Your vision suddenly drops or disappears in one or both eyes.
- You suddenly see new or more floaters, flashes, or a shadow like a curtain in front of the eye.
- Sudden severe eye pain, or a painful red eye with a headache, nausea or halos around lights.
- An eye injury, or a chemical got into the eye.
- After eye surgery, the pain, redness or blurred vision is getting worse.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- Cataract — gradual blurring, faded colours and glare from lights, more common with age.
- A growth on the white of the eye (pterygium) — a triangular fold that grows towards the cornea, often with a lot of sun.
- Dry eye or tiredness — temporary blurring that improves with blinking and rest.
- A change in your prescription — the need for new glasses.
- Conditions of the retina or the optic nerve — sometimes with distorted images or dark spots.
Which specialist
How to prepare for the visit
Note how long your vision has been changing, in which eye and in which conditions it is worse. Bring the glasses or lenses you use, earlier examination results and a list of the medicines you take. If drops are used to widen your pupils, your vision stays blurred for a few hours — do not drive after the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a cataract go away on its own?
A cataract does not go away on its own. Whether and when an operation is needed is the ophthalmologist's decision.
Does the examination hurt?
No. An eye examination is usually painless, sometimes with drops to widen the pupils.
When should I see an eye doctor?
When your vision becomes blurred, reading or driving at night is hard, or you see halos around lights.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.