Symptoms of Cataracts
Symptoms of cataracts often begin subtly and worsen gradually, which can delay diagnosis. The most common symptoms of cataracts include blurry or cloudy vision, increased glare sensitivity, dullness in colour perception, and difficulty seeing at night.
Blurry vision is typically the earliest sign. People describe it as though they’re looking through a frosted or dirty window. Reading small text, recognising faces, or seeing distant objects becomes harder, even with glasses. As the clouding progresses, these visual changes become more noticeable.
Light sensitivity is also common. Glare from the sun or oncoming headlights during night driving becomes uncomfortable. Many people notice a halo effect or starburst pattern around lights. This not only affects comfort but also poses a safety risk, especially while driving in low-light conditions.
Colour perception changes with cataracts as well. Colours may look faded or yellowed, making it harder to distinguish between shades. Whites may take on a beige tone, and blues often appear more muted.
Night vision deteriorates significantly, particularly with nuclear cataracts — the type that forms in the centre of the lens. People may find that they need more light to read, or they may avoid driving at night altogether.
Some individuals experience double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia), caused by irregular light refraction through the cloudy lens. Others find they need frequent changes to their glasses prescription, only to find that new lenses don’t provide lasting improvement.
Symptoms of Cataracts
As cataracts advance, symptoms can become constant and interfere with everyday life. Tasks like reading, cooking, working, or watching TV may become increasingly frustrating. In some cases, people may stop engaging in favourite hobbies because of declining vision.
Recognising the symptoms of cataracts and acting early can help preserve independence. With routine eye exams, especially after the age of 60, cataracts can be detected before they cause significant disruption.
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