The lens of the eye is normally clear and helps focus incoming light to produce sharp vision. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy, leading to a variety of vision-related issues such as blurriness, sensitivity to light, and dull or faded colors.

Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes, and although they can significantly affect vision, they are typically painless.

Most people develop cataracts as part of the natural aging process. The majority of age-related cataracts begin forming after age 40 due to the gradual breakdown of proteins in the eye's lens. These cataracts often progress slowly, with noticeable symptoms typically appearing in the 60s or later.

However, cataracts can also affect younger individuals. Factors such as eye injuries, metabolic conditions like diabetes, or the prolonged use of steroid medications can accelerate cataract development. These types of cataracts tend to progress more rapidly and cause symptoms at an earlier age.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

blurry vision

One of the most frequent symptoms of cataracts is blurry or cloudy vision. It may feel as if you're looking through a fogged-up window or wax paper. This distortion can make daily activities like reading or recognizing faces more difficult.

trouble seeing in low light

Cataracts can impair your ability to see clearly in dim lighting, especially at night or on overcast days. You may find night driving challenging or experience difficulty reading in rooms with poor lighting.

light sensitivity and glare

Increased sensitivity to light is another common symptom. Bright lights may cause discomfort or glare, making it difficult to be outside on sunny days or to drive at night when exposed to oncoming headlights.

halos around lights

Cataracts may cause you to see halos or rings around lights, particularly at night. These halos can look like circular or rainbow-colored patterns surrounding street lamps or headlights, often caused by light scattering within the cloudy lens.

changes in color perception

Cataracts can alter how you perceive colors. They may appear faded or have a yellowish tint. This change can make it difficult to distinguish between similar shades, such as red and orange or blue and green.

double vision

Some people with cataracts report experiencing double vision in one eye. This can appear as two images of the same object or a ghost-like shadow. It often results from irregularities in how light passes through different areas of the lens. Interestingly, this symptom may improve or disappear as the cataract progresses.

frequent changes in prescription

As cataracts worsen, they can change the shape or clarity of your vision, leading to more frequent updates in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. If you find yourself needing new prescriptions more often than usual, it could be an early sign of cataract development.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Although cataracts are not painful or immediately dangerous, it is important to consult with an eye care professional if you suspect you may have them. Without treatment, cataract symptoms can gradually worsen and may eventually result in significant vision loss or even blindness.

If you’re noticing any signs of cataracts, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive eye exam. This usually includes a visual acuity test to check how well you can see and a dilated eye exam to inspect the internal structures of your eyes.

Because symptoms of cataracts can mimic other conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye, a detailed description of your experience will help the provider make an accurate diagnosis.

A Quick Review

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition that affects the clarity of the lens. While they typically start forming after age 40, symptoms like cloudy vision, glare, halos, and changes in color perception often don't appear until later in life.

Seeking medical advice early on is key to preserving your vision. Although surgery is the only definitive treatment for advanced cataracts, earlier stages can often be managed with stronger prescriptions and better lighting at home or work.