What Causes Cataracts? Types, Stages, And Prevention Tips
Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting people across the world, especially as we get older. If you’ve ever wondered what causes cataracts or what you can do to support your vision as you age, this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll explore how cataracts develop, what symptoms to look out for, and what to do to safeguard your ocular health. We’ll also walk you through the types of cataracts, the available treatments, and key factors that increase your risk of developing this condition.
Let’s begin by understanding how cataracts form and why they are such a common cause of vision impairment worldwide.
What Is A Cataract?
A cataract happens when the typically clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy. This clouding can interfere with how light passes through your eye, leading to blurry vision, reduced contrast sensitivity, and difficulty seeing clearly, especially in low light.
What Causes Cataracts?
There are several reasons why cataracts develop. The most common cause is age-related change. As we get older, the proteins in the eye’s lens can clump together, gradually forming a cloudy lens. But age isn’t the only factor; there are many other contributors to cataract formation.
Eye Injury And Trauma
An eye injury can lead to a cataract forming weeks, months, or even years after the event. Traumatic cataracts are usually the result of a direct blow to the eye, a puncture wound, or a chemical injury that affects the eye’s lens.
Previous Eye Surgery
Surgeries for other eye conditions, like retinal detachment or glaucoma, may increase the likelihood of developing cataracts. Scarring or inflammation from previous eye surgery can accelerate the clouding of the lens.
Exposure To Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) light, especially from the sun, can damage the proteins in your eye’s lens, speeding up cataract formation. This is why it’s essential to wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re outdoors.
Use Of Corticosteroid Medicines
Long-term use of corticosteroids or steroid medicines has been linked to a greater risk of cataract development, particularly posterior subcapsular cataracts, which form at the back of the lens.
Health Problems
Certain medical conditions are linked to a greater likelihood of developing cataracts. These include:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
Metabolic syndromes
Keeping your general health in check may lower your risk of developing cataracts early on in life.
Family History Of Cataracts
If someone in your family had cataracts, you might also be at increased risk. While lifestyle and environmental factors play a big part, your genes can also influence how early or how quickly cataracts develop.
Too Much Alcohol And Smoking
Unrestrained alcohol consumption and smoking are both risk factors for cataracts. Both can contribute to oxidative stress and damage the lens’s protein structure, accelerating the clouding process.
Radiation Exposure
Exposure to radiation, like during cancer treatment or from certain workplaces, can also increase the risk of cataracts forming over time. Radiation damages the lens cells and encourages clouding.
Eye Inflammation
Conditions like uveitis, which causes inflammation within the eye, may also lead to cataract formation. Chronic inflammation can impact the structure of the lens capsule and increase clouding.
Most cataracts develop as part of the natural ageing process. These are known as age-related cataracts and are the most common cause of vision impairment in adults over 60.
As the lens becomes less flexible and its proteins begin to break down, clouding occurs and gradually affects vision. Age-related cataracts include several subtypes based on their location within the lens.
Nuclear Cataracts (Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts)
Nuclear cataracts form in the central part of the lens and are strongly linked to ageing. In early stages, they may briefly improve close-up vision, but over time, the lens hardens, yellows, and causes gradual vision loss.
Cortical Cataracts
These affect the outer edge of the lens (the cortex) and appear as white, wedge-like streaks pointing toward the centre. They can cause glare, particularly at night, and may affect depth perception.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
Developing at the back of the lens capsule, this type often progresses faster than others. It may interfere with reading, create glare in bright light, and is sometimes linked to steroid medicines or diabetes.
Congenital Cataracts
Present at birth or developing early on in childhood, congenital cataracts might be genetic or result from infections or metabolic issues. With early diagnosis, treatment can help protect long-term vision.
What To Expect From Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a precise and well-established procedure. During the surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear, biocompatible lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
This new lens helps restore your ability to focus and improves overall clarity. The procedure is typically done under local anaesthetic and doesn’t require an overnight stay.
What Is Lifestyle Cataract Surgery?
Lifestyle Cataract Surgery refers to a more personalised approach to cataract treatment that considers your daily visual needs and preferences. It typically involves selecting a premium intraocular lens to support clearer vision at multiple distances and reduce the need for glasses.
It’s always worth discussing with your eye specialist if you have specific visual goals or lifestyle needs. Your care team will help you weigh the benefits and limitations based on your unique circumstances.
What To Expect After Surgery
Most people notice clearer vision within a few days of surgery, though it may take several weeks for their eyesight to fully settle.
Your eye professional may prescribe medicated eye drops to sustain healing and lower the risk of complications. During recovery, you’ll be given clear instructions on aftercare to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Tips To Support Eye Health
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Eat a nutrient-rich diet full of leafy greens, fish, and fruits
Manage health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Protect your eyes from injury with glasses when needed
See your eye doctor regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a cataract?
Cataracts often develop gradually, so early signs can be subtle. You might notice blurry vision, glare around lights, or trouble reading. The only way to confirm if you have a cataract is through a comprehensive eye examination with a qualified eye care professional.
How long does a cataract procedure take?
Cataract surgery typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes per eye and is done as a day procedure. You’ll return home on the same day with guidance on how to care for your eyes during recovery.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Risks include infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, or clouding of the lens capsule, but these are uncommon. Your health professional will explain everything during your consultation.
Can cataracts affect both eyes?
Yes, cataracts often develop in both eyes, but not always at the same pace. One eye may be more affected than the other, especially in the early stages.
Conclusion
Understanding cataract causes is the first step towards protecting your eyesight and enjoying a lifetime of clear sight. While cataracts are common, there are many things you can do to support your eye health, reduce your risk, and seek treatment when needed. Whether you’re noticing symptoms or simply want to stay informed, knowledge is your best tool.
With professional support, timely eye examinations, and proactive care, many people maintain clear vision well into their later years.
If you have any concerns about your eyes or are noticing changes in your vision, a qualified eye health professional can help. You deserve to see the world clearly, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’ve noticed changes in your eyesight or simply want to stay on top of your eye health, we’re here in Melbourne to help. Our friendly and experienced team can guide you through your options, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
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Yetman D. Cortical Cataract: What Is This, and How Does It Affect Your Eyes? [Internet]. Healthline. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/cortical-cataract
Gurarie M. What Are Cataracts? [Internet]. Health. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.health.com/cataracts-overview-7376241
Mukamal R. Cataract Surgery Recovery: Exercising, Driving and Other Activities [Internet]. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/safe-exercise-driving-cataract-surgery-recovery
