Understanding Cataracts

Learn the signs of cataracts and how they affect your vision.

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How Cataracts Form

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision.¹

At first, the cloudiness in your vision caused by a cataract may affect only a small part of the eye's lens and you may be unaware of any vision loss. As the cataract grows larger, it clouds more of your lens and distorts the light passing through the lens. This may lead to more-noticeable symptoms.

Stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts. But if impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, you might need cataract surgery.

Signs & Symptoms

Know the Signs & Symptoms of Cataracts

A cataract starts out small and can develop slowly, taking some time for you to notice. As it begins to grow and cloud the lens of your eye, it can cause more noticeable signs and symptoms.

Common signs you might experience include:

Your vision appears cloudy, blurry or hazy, as if you’re looking through a smudged or dirty window
You blink or squint more frequently to improve the focus of your eyes
You have developed double vision in your eye
You frequently experience changes in your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
You see halos surrounding lights like headlights, sunlight, or lamp light

You don’t see colors as bright as you used to, as colors appear faded or yellowish, and you find it difficult to differentiate between colors belonging to the same color family, like purple and blue
Your sensitivity to glare and light has increased, such as from oncoming headlights of cars while driving at night
You now need a brighter light for your indoor activities such as reading
You observe a grey or whitish film over your eyes while looking in the mirror

Other Eye Conditions

Correcting Other Eye Conditions

Cataract surgery is a unique opportunity to treat other eye conditions such as myopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism. After your cataract procedure, you may also be able to reduce your dependency on glasses.

Myopia

Myopia, previously known as nearsightedness, is an eye disease where you can see better up close (like reading a book) than far away (looking at street signs or objects in the distance). It can lead to vision complications later in life.

References

Mayo Clinic. Cataracts. Accessed 22 April 2026 via; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790

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