Final answer:
In the early stages of cataract formation, blurred vision is the chief clinical manifestation. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause the vision to become hazy or blurry.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early stages of cataract formation, the chief clinical manifestation that the nurse would expect to note is blurred vision. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause the vision to become hazy or blurry. As the cataract progresses, other symptoms such as double vision, color vision changes, and photophobia may also occur.