What is a potential consequence of untreated cataracts?

The consequence of untreated cataracts is significant vision loss. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to a gradual decline in vision. As the cataracts progress, they can severely impair visual function, affecting clarity, brightness, and contrast of vision. This can hinder everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. In extreme cases, untreated cataracts can lead to complete blindness.

The other options explore effects that are not associated with untreated cataracts. Improved night vision, increased tear production, and enhanced color discrimination do not occur as a result of cataracts; rather, patients typically experience the opposite effects with cataract progression. Night vision usually deteriorates, tear production often remains stable or may decrease due to age, and color discrimination can become impaired as well. Thus, significant vision loss is the correct consequence of untreated cataracts.