What visual symptom may a cataract patient experience at night?

Patients with cataracts commonly experience enhanced glare from lights, particularly at night. This symptom arises because cataracts can cause light to scatter when it passes through the clouded lens, leading to visual disturbances like halos or rays around light sources. This scattered light effect becomes more pronounced in low-light conditions, such as nighttime driving or being in dimly lit environments, where bright headlights or street lamps can create significant discomfort and visual impairment.

Understanding this symptom is crucial for patients with cataracts, as it may hinder their ability to perform tasks safely after dark, such as driving. Increased glare sensitivity can serve as an indicator of the cataract's progression and may prompt individuals to seek timely medical evaluation and potential surgical intervention to restore clearer vision.