Cataract Symptoms

How to recognize cataracts

The following symptoms may indicate cataracts:

• Loss of visual acuity
• Blurred vision and foggy vision
• Increased glare sensitivity
• Impaired color and contrast perception
• Problems with light-dark adaptation
• Double vision (monocular diplopia)
• Impaired spatial vision
• Visible gray veil on the lens

Loss of visual acuity

With cataracts, visual ability usually deteriorates slowly and gradually. Many patients initially hardly notice that their vision is declining until daily activities such as reading, watching television, or driving become increasingly difficult.

Unlike nearsightedness or farsightedness, this type of vision deterioration cannot simply be corrected with new glasses, as it is caused by clouding of the lens in the eye.

Blurred vision and foggy vision

Typical of cataracts is increasingly blurred or foggy vision. Patients often describe their vision “as if through a veil” or “as if the eye were dirty.” This blurred vision significantly impairs the perception of details and contrasts, making daily activities more difficult and reducing overall quality of life.

Increased glare sensitivity

Many affected individuals complain of increased sensitivity to light. Particularly bright sunlight, car headlights, or indoor lamps are perceived as unpleasantly glaring. So-called halo effects often occur – light halos or rays around light sources. This leads to significant limitations and uncertainties, especially when driving at night or at dusk.

Impaired color and contrast perception

Cataracts often cause a reduction in color intensity and weakening of contrasts. Colors appear paler and less vibrant, making it more difficult to clearly distinguish objects from one another. This is particularly problematic when objects have similar colors to the background, for example when recognizing faces or signs.

Problems with light-dark adaptation

The eyes’ ability to quickly adapt to changing light conditions is significantly impaired by cataracts. Affected individuals report having difficulty quickly adapting to darkness or brightness, for example when moving from a brightly lit room to a darker area or vice versa. This adaptation delay can lead to uncertainties and accidents in daily life.

Double vision (monocular diplopia)

Another symptom of cataracts is the occurrence of double vision, even when only one eye is open. This monocular diplopia is caused by clouding of the lens, which refracts light differently and thereby creates multiple blurred images. Double vision significantly affects spatial vision and can cause orientation difficulties.

Impaired spatial vision

Due to increasing clouding of the lens, patients partially lose the ability to correctly assess distances and depths. This often manifests as uncertainties when climbing stairs or difficulties in correctly judging distances to other vehicles or people in traffic. Impaired spatial vision not only affects mobility but also increases the risk of accidents in daily life.

Visible gray veil on the lens

In the advanced stage of cataracts, the clouding of the eye lens is even externally visible. The pupil no longer appears deep black but gray or milky. This symptom usually occurs late and indicates a severely advanced condition. At this stage, prompt surgery is advisable to restore vision.

Do you have further questions about cataract surgery or would you like to schedule a consultation appointment? Our team at FIRST SIGHT Eye Clinic directly at Zurich Main Station is happy to help you.

We offer you comprehensive, individual consultation – from choosing the optimal lens implant to aftercare – so that you can go into your cataract surgery well-informed and reassured.

Further Information

Everything about cataract surgery: Procedure and surgical techniques

After cataract surgery: Follow-up care

Cataract causes: Recognizing and preventing risk factors

Freedom from glasses after cataract surgery: Lens options and aftercare

Lens options for cataract surgery: Advantages and disadvantages