Aging and cataracts 

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting older adults and one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. But what causes cataracts? While there are several contributing factors, the leading cause is simple: aging.

Let’s explore how cataracts form, why age is the primary culprit, and how to protect your vision as you age.

Cataracts start with changes in the eye’s lens

To understand what causes cataracts, it helps to know how the eye works. The lens of your eye is a clear, flexible structure that helps you focus light and see clearly. When you’re young, that lens is crystal clear. But around age 40, natural proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together. Over time, these clumps form cloudy spots—what we know as cataracts.

This process is gradual. You might not notice any changes to your vision in the early stages. But as cataracts grow, they can make your sight blurry, faded, or distorted. If left untreated, they can eventually lead to severe vision loss.

Why aging is the biggest risk factor

Although cataracts can develop from other causes—like eye injuries, surgery, or radiation—age-related cataracts are the most common. More than half of Americans aged 80 and older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.

The aging process affects the structure and function of the eye over time. The breakdown of proteins in the lens is a natural biological process that cannot be avoided entirely. However, certain lifestyle choices and health conditions can speed up this process.

Other common risk factors

While aging is the leading cause, some other risk factors can increase your chances of developing cataracts earlier or more severely:

• Diabetes or other chronic health conditions
• Smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Family history of cataracts
• Eye injuries, surgery, or radiation exposure
• Long-term sun exposure without eye protection
• Steroid medications used to treat inflammation or allergies

If you fall into any of these categories, it’s a good idea to have regular eye exams and talk with your doctor about ways to lower your risk.

Can cataracts be prevented?

You can’t stop aging, but you can take steps to support healthy eyes and potentially delay the onset of cataracts:

• Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim to protect your eyes from UV rays
• Quit smoking, or avoid starting
• Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains
• Protect your eyes during high-risk activities like sports or construction work
• Get regular eye exams, especially if you’re over 60

The good news: Cataracts are treatable

If you develop cataracts, you’re not alone—and there is a solution. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed in the U.S. It removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one, often restoring clear vision and reducing dependence on glasses.

Talk to your eye doctor if you’ve noticed symptoms like blurry vision, faded colors, or trouble seeing at night. A simple, painless dilated eye exam can help determine whether cataracts affect your vision and what steps to take next.