Written by Nishika Reddy, MD | Reviewed by Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH Published on November 23, 2021
Key takeaways:
- Cataracts develop in the lens of the eye as people get older.
- Cataracts cause vision changes like blurred vision and trouble seeing at night.
- Cataract surgery can remove cataracts and help restore vision.
ljubaphoto/E+ via Getty Images
Your eye is made up of different parts, and all of them play an important role in your vision. The lens is the part of the eye that sits behind the iris, the colored part of your eye. The lens is a clear structure that focuses the light that enters your eye so that your brain can process images.
As a person gets older, the lens ages and can form cataracts. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss, but they’re also treatable. Let’s take a look at why cataracts form, how they affect your vision, and what you can do to lower your risk of developing them.
How do cataracts form?
Cataracts form due to the breakdown of proteins in the lens. This causes the lens, which is normally clear, to become cloudy. It is a normal process that happens as your eyes age. You can form cataracts in one or both eyes.
Most people develop cataracts after 40 years old. The older you are, the more likely you are to have cataracts. More than half of people over 80 years old have cataracts.
Cataracts can develop in younger people if they have certain medical conditions. You can also be born with cataracts or develop them in childhood. This can happen because of genetic conditions or from exposure to certain infections, like rubella.
How do cataracts affect vision?
Cataracts usually develop gradually, so you may not have trouble with your vision at first. But over time, you may notice:
- Blurred vision
- Cloudy vision like looking through a frosted or dirty window
- A halo or glare around light
- Impaired night vision
- Faded colors
- Trouble with depth perception
These vision changes can make it hard for you to do your normal activities like read, work on a computer, or drive, especially at night. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll notice that they might not be helping your vision as much anymore.
What are the different types of cataracts?
There are three types of cataracts:
- Nuclear sclerotic cataracts form in the central part of the lens and affect distance vision more than near vision. They grow very slowly.
- Cortical cataracts start at the edge of the lens and grow toward the center. They also grow slowly.
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts form in the back of the lens. They tend to grow faster and cause severe glare in bright sunlight or from vehicle headlights.
What causes cataracts?
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. But there are several other things that can also lead to cataracts.
Medical conditions and genetics
Certain medical conditions and treatments can increase your risk of developing cataracts. These include:
- Diabetes (Types 1 and 2)
- HIV/AIDS
- Eye conditions that required surgery (including retinal detachment)
- A history of eye inflammation
- Trauma to the eye
- Radiation treatment on your upper body
- Having family members with cataracts
Medications
Two major types of medications can increase your risk of cataracts:
- Oral, topical, or intravenous steroids
- Phenothiazines, which treat schizophrenia
Smoking, alcohol, and UV light
People who smoke are more likely to develop cataracts. Studies also show that exposure to UV light (sunlight) can cause cataracts.
What should you do if you’re experiencing symptoms of cataracts?
If you’re having trouble with your vision, you should see an eye doctor and have an eye exam. Your eye doctor will offer you glasses or contact lenses to help with your vision if you have cataracts. They may also suggest that you use brighter lighting in your home to help you see or recommend anti-glare coating for your glasses.
If you have cataracts, your eye doctor will ask you to come back once or twice a year for checkups. If your glasses or contact lenses are no longer helping your vision, your doctor might suggest that you have surgery to remove your cataracts.
How can you protect your vision as you age?
Even though cataracts are a normal part of aging, there are still things that you can do to protect your vision. These things may delay the development of cataracts:
- Stop smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing cataracts, so it’s best to quit smoking to protect your eye health.
- Protect your eyes from UV light: Wear sunglasses with UV light protection or a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside.
- Eat a diet rich in leafy green vegetables: There is some evidence that people who eat a diet high in leafy greens have fewer cataracts.
The bottom line
Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision, and they affect each person differently. You are more likely to develop cataracts as you get older. Getting new glasses with anti-glare coating and using brighter lighting may help treat your cataract symptoms. Avoid smoking, and protect your eyes from sunlight to keep your vision healthy.
Leave a Reply