10 Symptoms of Cataracts: Know the Signs

Cataracts, characterized by the clouding of the eye's lens, significantly impair visual clarity. They account for nearly half of global blindness cases. Prompt detection is crucial, as it allows ophthalmologists to implement effective interventions to halt or mitigate the advancement of this condition.

1. Blurred Vision

Cataract development leads to a gradual obscuring of vision due to a cloudy film that forms on the lens, similar to the effect of looking through a misted pane of glass. Initially, the diminution of sight is subtle and may go unnoticed, but as the condition advances, vision clarity significantly diminishes. It is important to understand that eyeglasses are not a remedy for the blur caused by cataracts.

2. Loss of Night Vision

Individuals with cataracts commonly experience visual challenges, particularly in low-light conditions. They may notice halos around street and vehicle lights, and increased sensitivity to glare can make it more difficult for them to see. These visual impairments can reduce clarity in distance vision, potentially affecting their ability to drive safely and perform daily tasks effectively.

3. Sensitivity to Light

In the initial phases of cataract formation, patients often experience heightened light sensitivity, finding intense and bright light particularly uncomfortable. This sensitivity can lead to substantial glare, which may interfere with daily activities, such as driving or attending movie screenings.

4. Halos Around Light

A cloudy film often develops on the ocular lens in individuals with cataracts, which can diffract incoming light. This scattering can result in the appearance of colorful, glowing halos around light sources. Consequently, people with cataracts may find themselves needing to reduce brightness on devices such as computer screens or avoid areas with strong lighting, although it's important to note that their ability to control this response can vary.

5. Change in Color Perception

As cataracts progress, the protein aggregations that create the lens's opacity may become yellow or brown, altering the color perception of incoming light. In exceptional circumstances, individuals may experience difficulty distinguishing colors. Fortunately, cataract surgery can effectively restore vision and resolve this as well as other related symptoms.

6. Double Vision in One Eye

Double vision pertaining to a single eye, medically known as monocular diplopia, can be a characteristic symptom of certain types of cataracts. This condition results from light diffraction, which produces a secondary image of the viewed object. While there are various causes of double vision, monocular diplopia is specifically associated with a distinct subset of these causes.

7. Progressive Near-Sightedness

A nuclear cataract typically affects distance vision, often resulting in near objects appearing clearer. This phenomenon may lead individuals unfamiliar with their cataract diagnosis to assume an overall improvement in vision. However, it is important to recognize that such perceived enhancement is temporary, and professional evaluation is necessary for proper management.

8. Trouble Seeing Details

Individuals suffering from cataracts may experience challenges in discerning fine details within visuals, such as the definition of shapes and the subtleties of facial expressions, even from a distance. Consequently, everyday activities such as watching television, reading the time, or identifying food items on a plate can become increasingly difficult. These visual limitations often affect the quality of life, necessitating appropriate measures to manage or correct the visual impairment associated with cataracts.

9. Require Brighter Light

Individuals with cataracts often experience difficulty with bright lights; however, it is not uncommon for them to need enhanced lighting for daily activities that previously required less illumination. Improved lighting conditions may become necessary in spaces even when they are supplemented by natural light.

10. Frequent Prescription Changes

Individuals experiencing cataracts may find themselves in need of frequent updates to their eyeglass prescriptions, as a rapid decline in visual acuity can often serve as an indicator of the condition. It is not uncommon for such a notable change in vision to lead either the patient or healthcare professional to investigate further for a potential cataract diagnosis.