How do cataracts primarily affect vision?

Cataracts primarily affect vision by causing distant objects to appear blurry. This is due to the clouding of the lens in the eye, which interferes with the passage of light necessary for clear vision. When the lens becomes opaque from cataract formation, it scatters light and distorts images, making it difficult to see fine details at a distance. As a result, individuals often report a gradual decline in their ability to see clearly, especially when trying to focus on objects that are far away.

While some might think that cataracts could improve near vision or enhance night vision, the opposite is usually true. Cataracts can lead to increased glare and halos around lights, especially at night, which can impair night vision rather than enhance it. Double vision can occur in other eye conditions, but it is not a typical symptom directly caused by cataracts. The main hallmark of cataracts is indeed the blurriness in distant vision, making it the correct choice.