Cataract symptoms usually develop over a period of many years, and most commonly affect older people.
Over time, the lens (the transparent structure at the front of the eye) gradually becomes cloudy. If your cataracts are mild, you may not notice any symptoms to start with.
If you have cataracts in both eyes, one eye may be more affected than the other. Your vision may:
- be blurred
- be cloudy or misty
- have small spots or dots on it (patches where your sight is not as clear)
Your sight may be affected by the light. For example, you may find it more difficult to see:
- if the light is dim
- when the light is bright, such as on a very sunny day, or in bright artificial light
Other ways that cataracts may affect your sight can include:
- the glare from bright lights may be dazzling or uncomfortable to look at
- colours may look faded or less clear
- everything may have a yellowish tinge
- reading, watching television and other daily activities may be more difficult than they used to be
- you may have double vision (seeing two images of an object instead of one)
- you may see a halo (a circle of light) around bright lights, such as car headlights or street lights
- if you wear glasses, you may find that they have become less effective
The symptoms of cataracts can be similar to the symptoms of other eye conditions. Therefore, it is important to visit your GP or an optician (optometrist) for a check-up if you notice any changes to your vision.
