Cataract Symptoms

Cataracts are cloudy or milky patches that develop in the lens of the eye and cause impaired vision.

As the patches grow in size or number, the lens becomes increasingly opaque, which affects the ability of light to pass through it and reach the retina. These opacities usually take years to develop and the symptoms of cataract generally present in older age.

When cataracts first start to manifest, symptoms are not noticeable but with increasing age some of the symptoms may start to affect one or both of the eyes. Some examples of these symptoms include:

  • Blurring or clouding of vision
  • Some patients may complain of small spots or dots or patches where sight is clouded
  • Vision may be less clear in dim or less well-lit surroundings
  • Similarly, vision may also be impaired in settings where light is very bright. The glare from bright lights may also be difficult to bear and may dazzle a person with cataracts.
  • Sometimes, an affected individual has double vision or diplopia. This symptom may clear as a cataract becomes larger.
  • A halo may be visible around bright lights, particularly at night.
  • Colors may appear bleached or faded, with objects having a yellowish tinge to them.
  • Tasks such as reading and watching television may become more difficult.
  • People may find their glasses are less effective as visual aids.
  • Some patients may have associated eye conditions such as watering of the eyes, drying of the eyes and itching.

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, July 04). Cataract Symptoms. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Symptoms.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Cataract Symptoms". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Symptoms.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Cataract Symptoms". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Symptoms.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Cataract Symptoms. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Symptoms.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
UEA researchers develop novel resin for 3D printing intraocular devices