Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The lens, normally clear, helps focus light onto the retina, which then sends signals to the brain to form images. When proteins within the lens begin to break down and clump, they create opaque areas that interfere with light transmission. This process occurs as part of the natural aging process, often starting around age 40, though noticeable vision changes may not appear until much later.
What a Cataract Looks Like
The most noticeable physical change with a cataract occurs in the pupil, the normally black center of the eye. Instead of appearing clear and dark, the pupil may take on a cloudy, milky, or yellowish tint. This opacity is due to the accumulation of damaged proteins within the lens located directly behind the iris, the colored part of the eye. The clouding can vary in density and extent, making the lens appear opaque. This visible change is an internal alteration of the lens itself, not a film or growth on the surface of the eye.
How Cataracts Affect Vision
Cataracts significantly alter vision. Vision often becomes blurry, hazy, or foggy, akin to looking through a frosted window. Colors may appear faded or less vibrant, sometimes taking on a yellowish cast.
Common Visual Symptoms
Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly from headlights at night or bright sunlight, is a frequent symptom. This occurs because the cloudy lens scatters incoming light rather than focusing it clearly. Halos around lights and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, such as at night, are also common due to this scattering effect. In some cases, a person may experience double vision in one eye, which can sometimes resolve as the cataract progresses.
Progression and Severity of Cataracts
Cataracts develop and worsen gradually. Initially, clouding may be mild with no noticeable vision problems. As lens proteins continue to break down and clump, opaque areas become denser and more widespread. This clouding occurs over months or years, increasing the severity of visual symptoms.
Impact on Daily Life
The cataract’s physical appearance may also become more pronounced as the condition matures. This progression can slowly impact daily activities, making it harder to read, drive, or recognize faces.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
Any noticeable changes in vision warrant a professional eye examination. If you begin to experience symptoms such as blurry or cloudy vision, dimness of colors, increased glare sensitivity, or difficulty with night vision, consult an eye care professional. Observing any physical changes in the eye’s appearance should also prompt an evaluation. An eye doctor can confirm a cataract through a comprehensive dilated eye exam, allowing for detailed inspection of the lens and other eye structures. This examination is important for accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions that might cause similar visual disturbances.