How Do Cataracts Affect Vision

Cataracts are an age-related eye disease that can interfere with clear vision and quality of life. As you age, your normally clear lens starts to become cloudy and yellow. As a result, you may experience certain changes in your vision that make it difficult to read, drive, cook or enjoy your favorite hobbies.

Take a moment to learn more about how cataracts affect vision, as described by cataract surgeon Edward Hedaya of InVision Eye Care.

Cloudy or Blurry Vision

Cataracts develop when proteins that make up the lens clump together, creating cloudy areas. These cloudy areas reduce the amount of light that pass through the lens on to the retina at the back of the eye. The cloudy areas start out small and gradually increase in size, taking over larger areas of the lens. As a result, faces and objects can look hazy or cloudy, or details can appear washed out.

Sensitivity to Glare

Another common symptom of cataracts is increased sensitivity to glare. Outdoor sunlight, streetlights or headlights at night, and light reflecting off of a polished floor can all produce glare that interferes with vision.

Faded or Yellowish Colors

As the lens clouds, it can also change to a yellow or brown color. This causes everything to appear yellowish or brownish, which can interfere with tasks like getting dressed, cooking or determining whether a piece of produce has spoiled.

Reduced Contrast

If you develop cataracts, it may become difficult to discern between items of the same or similar colors. For example, you might find it hard to see a white coffee mug on a light tablecloth, or a dark chair on a dark rug.