What is the effect of cataracts on vision?

Cataracts primarily cause clouding of the lens, which significantly impacts vision. The lens of the eye is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. When cataracts develop, proteins in the lens clump together, leading to a cloudy or opaque appearance. This clouding obstructs and scatters the light entering the eye, resulting in blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light. The natural clarity and transparency of the lens are compromised, which is why individuals with cataracts often report a gradual decline in visual acuity. Overall, the presence of cataracts directly correlates with a reduction in visual clarity and quality, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks.