Eye · Concern
Cataracts: Causes and Treatment Options
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye, the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light. Cataracts are very common as you get older. At first, you may not notice one, but over time a cataract can make your vision blurry, hazy or less colorful. The good news is that surgery can get rid of cataracts.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
You might not have any symptoms at first, when a cataract is mild. As it grows, you may notice that:
- Your vision is cloudy or blurry
- You can't see well at night, or you need more light when you read
- Lamps, sunlight or headlights seem too bright
- You see a halo around lights
- You see double
- Colors look faded or yellow
- You have to change the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses often
What Causes Cataracts?
Most cataracts happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older. When you're young, the lens is clear. Around age 40, the proteins in the lens start to break down and clump together, which makes a cloudy area. Most age-related cataracts develop gradually, but doctors cannot predict how quickly a cataract will develop. Your risk goes up as you get older. You are also more likely to get cataracts if you:
- 01
Have certain health problems, such as diabetes
- 02
Have a family history of cataracts
- 03
Have had an eye injury, eye surgery or radiation treatment on your upper body
- 04
Have spent a lot of time in the sun without eye protection
- 05
Have taken steroid medicines for long periods of time
- 06
Smoke
- 07
Are very nearsighted
Types of Cataracts
Age-related cataracts are the most common type. Other types include:
When to See an Eye Doctor About Cataracts
An eye doctor can check for cataracts as part of a dilated eye exam, which is simple and painless. The symptoms above can also be signs of other eye problems, so make an appointment if you notice any of them, or if any of these sounds familiar:
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Can Cataracts Be Prevented or Slowed?
You may be able to slow them down. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and a hat with a brim when you are in the sun. Other steps that protect your eyes include wearing protective eyewear when you use power tools or play certain sports, quitting smoking, taking care of other health problems such as diabetes, and eating plenty of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and whole grains.
Treatment Options for Cataracts
Surgery is the only way to get rid of a cataract, but you may not need it right away. Talk with your eye doctor about the benefits and risks to decide when it is right for you.
Based on our research of published clinic prices, checked October 2026. Your coordinator gives you a personal quote.
Cataracts: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cataract spread from one eye to the other?
No. You can get cataracts in one eye or both eyes, but they can't spread from one eye to the other.
Can my vision become cloudy again after cataract surgery?
It can. Weeks, months or even years after surgery, scar tissue can make your vision cloudy again. This is called a secondary cataract, and up to 2 out of 5 people who have cataract surgery develop one. Treatment is quick and painless: an eye doctor uses a laser to make an opening in the cloudy area, and most people's vision is back to normal in a few days.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
You might. Once your eye has completely healed, you may need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.
Sources
Cataracts
National Eye Institute · nei.nih.gov
Types of Cataract
National Eye Institute · nei.nih.gov
Cataract Surgery
National Eye Institute · nei.nih.gov
What Are Cataracts?
American Academy of Ophthalmology · aao.org
Cataracts in adults
NHS · nhs.uk
