What are the symptoms of cataracts in the middle stage?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Symptoms of moderate cataracts generally include progressively declining vision, worsening blurriness, changes in refractive status, monocular diplopia, photophobia, and glare. In patients with moderate cataracts, the area and degree of lens opacity expand and deepen, further reducing light transmittance. Vision deteriorates from mild impairment in the early stage to significant loss, making it difficult to see clearly at both near and far distances during daily activities.
Intermediate symptoms of cataracts generally include progressively declining vision, worsening blurred vision, changes in refractive status, monocular diplopia (double vision in one eye), photophobia, and glare. The details are as follows:
1. Progressively Declining Vision: In the intermediate stage, cataract patients experience an expansion in the area and severity of lens opacity, further reducing light transmission. Vision deteriorates from mild impairment in early stages to significant loss. Patients may struggle with both near and distance vision, affecting daily activities such as reading and going outdoors.
2. Worsening Blurred Vision: As lens opacity increases, image quality declines. Patients often feel as if they are viewing the world through a foggy film. Even in well-lit environments, it becomes difficult to discern fine details—such as distant road signs or facial features—or read small print up close due to blurriness.
3. Changes in Refractive Status: Some patients may suddenly develop increased myopia (nearsightedness) or experience temporary improvement in presbyopia during the intermediate stage. This occurs due to abnormal changes in the lens's refractive power caused by opacification. Existing eyeglasses gradually become inadequate, requiring frequent prescription adjustments.
4. Monocular Diplopia: Uneven lens opacity results in varying light transmission across different regions of the lens, causing disordered refraction of light within the eye. When using one eye, patients may see double images—for example, observing multiple overlapping light spots when looking at a lamp, or perceiving distorted, blurred edges when viewing straight objects.
5. Photophobia and Glare: Increased light scattering due to lens opacity heightens sensitivity to bright light. Patients may experience marked photophobia during daytime or in brightly lit environments, making it uncomfortable to keep the eyes open. At night, lights may appear surrounded by halos (glare), impairing visibility and compromising safety while driving or walking in the dark.
Once intermediate symptoms appear, regular ophthalmic examinations are essential to monitor the progression of lens opacity and visual acuity. If vision loss begins to interfere with daily life, patients should promptly consult their doctor to evaluate the need for surgical intervention, avoiding delays in optimal treatment timing.
