What symptoms are most indicative of cataracts?

The symptoms most indicative of cataracts include clouded vision, particularly in low-light conditions such as at night. Cataracts result from the clouding of the eye's lens, which can lead to blurry or hazy vision. Individuals often report difficulty seeing clearly in dim light and may experience an increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare.

The gradual progression of cataracts typically leads to a significant deterioration in visual acuity, making everyday tasks more challenging. Over time, changes in vision may also affect color perception and contrast sensitivity. Therefore, recognizing and reporting clouded vision is critical for identifying cataracts early.

Other symptoms like redness of the eye, severe pain, and flashes of light may indicate different ocular conditions or complications but are not characteristic of cataracts. Thus, the hallmark feature of cataracts is the clouded vision experienced by patients.