What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions, especially as we age — yet many people don’t know exactly what they are, what causes them, or how they’re treated. If your vision has started to seem blurry or cloudy, or if bright lights seem to bother you more than they used to, you may be experiencing early signs of cataracts.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know: what cataracts are, what causes them, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatment options are available.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. Think of it like a camera lens that’s fogged up — the image becomes blurry and less vibrant.
The lens of your eye is normally clear, allowing you to see sharply. Over time, proteins in the lens can clump together and form cloudy areas. As cataracts develop, vision gradually gets worse.
Who Gets Cataracts?
Cataracts are most common in older adults, but they can affect people at different stages of life. Here are some common risk factors:
- Aging (most common cause)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive UV exposure
- Family history
- Eye injuries or surgeries
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Heavy alcohol use
Cataracts can even develop in infants (congenital cataracts), though this is rare.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts usually develop slowly, and symptoms may not be noticeable at first. Over time, people often report:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Glare or halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
- Double vision in one eye
If you're noticing any of these changes, it’s time to get your eyes checked.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
Cataracts are usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will examine the lens of your eye and may use tools like:
- A visual acuity test (eye chart)
- A slit-lamp exam (a microscope for a close-up look)
- Dilated eye exam (widening the pupils to view the lens and retina)
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
While you can’t always prevent cataracts, certain lifestyle changes may help delay their development:
- Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA/UVB rays
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (like leafy greens, berries, and fish)
- Don’t smoke
- Control chronic conditions like diabetes
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Get regular eye exams, especially after age 40
How Are Cataracts Treated?
In the early stages, cataract symptoms can often be managed with:
- New eyeglasses
- Brighter lighting
- Anti-glare sunglasses
- Magnifying lenses
But when vision loss starts to interfere with daily life, cataract surgery is usually recommended.
Cataract Surgery: What to Expect
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgical procedures worldwide. It involves:
- Removing the cloudy natural lens.
- Replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and takes less than an hour. Most people experience improved vision within a few days.
The Good News
Cataracts are extremely treatable, and cataract surgery has a high success rate in restoring vision. Millions of people each year have their eyesight improved — or even completely restored — thanks to modern cataract treatment.
Final Thoughts
Cataracts may be a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to get in the way of living a full, active life. By staying informed, protecting your eyes from UV damage, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can keep your vision sharp and detect cataracts early.
If you or a loved one is experiencing vision changes, don’t wait — book an appointment with an eye care professional today.