Symptoms of cataracts

Cataracts and vision

Early stages of cataract development may be so small (only affecting a small portion of the lens) that they go unnoticed at first. The development of cataracts does not appear to cause vision disruptions immediately. Many cataracts do not even severely affect vision at all and so may not require surgical removal.

Progressive cataracts which enlarge and become denser over time generally do lead to more serious changes in visual capability (developing more noticeable symptoms over time). This can result in a loss of independence, affecting a person’s overall lifestyle (hobbies, activities, reading or driving), and if left untreated can result in blindness although this is rare as most advanced cataracts are removed successfully.

Most medical professionals will advise against waiting until a cataract reaches a mature stage to have it surgically removed. It is not necessary to wait for advanced stages in order to be successfully treated. Surgical removal is often done as soon as possible in children wo develop cataracts too.

Signs and symptoms

The most common indications of cataracts in the lens of the eye include:

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare (the sun, car headlights or around lamps and light bulbs)
• Blurry, foggy, fuzzy, dim or clouded vision (i.e. a decrease in the clarity of vision)
• Difficulties with vision at night
• Colours appear to be more faded (less vivid) or take on a yellowish tint
• Loss of colour contrast (shadows begin to lose some depth and become less vivid as well)
• The appearance of halos surrounding lights
• Double vision (in the affected eye / s)
• The need for frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses (vision is not correctible with changes in prescription eyewear)
• ‘Second sight’ – a temporary improvement in near vision acuity (during early development of a cataract), which later worsens
• A noticeable difficulty with performing certain activities
• A noticeable need for brighter light in order to see better, such as for reading
• A noticeable decline is distance vision

A mature cataract will appear white, often with a grey (or whitish) coloured pupil (which would normally appear black in a healthy eye).

Any signs and symptoms of cataracts are not accompanied by any degree of physical discomfort or pain. Cataracts also do not physically alter the external appearance of the eye either.