The average age that a person gets cataracts is 55-65 years old. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 40. The risk of developing a cataract increases with age, and the chance of developing a cataract doubles each decade after the age of 55.
The majority of people with cataracts are over the age of 65. Cataracts can be present at birth, can be found in childhood or can occur later on in life, although this is rare. However, as the risk increases with age, most individuals over the age of 55 are likely to develop a cataract.
What is the main cause of cataract?
The main cause of cataracts is aging. As people age, proteins within the lens of their eye can clump together and prevent light from passing through properly. Other causes of cataracts include genetics, diabetes, ultraviolet light exposure, poor nutrition, smoking, prolonged use of steroid medications, trauma to the eye, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Cataracts are also common in people with a history of eye surgery. In rare cases, a cataract can form in newborns, usually as a result of a gene mutation or intrauterine infection.
What causes cataracts to develop quickly?
Cataracts can develop quickly as a result of increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, trauma, and certain medical conditions, as well as with age. Prolonged UV exposure without proper protective eyewear can damage the structures of the eye, leading to a faster onset of cataracts.
Trauma or injury to the eye can also cause cataracts to form quickly. Diabetes, steroid use, or other serious medical conditions can also lead to the rapid development of cataracts. Finally, even though cataracts are usually associated with aging, it is possible for them to develop quickly due to speeding up of normal aging processes.
In addition, certain medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can put individuals at an increased risk of developing cataracts at a faster pace.
What are the 3 cataracts causes?
There are three main causes of cataracts: age-related changes, medical conditions, and environmental factors.
Age-related changes are the most common cause of cataracts, as the lens of the eye begins to break down over time due to natural aging or from exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This can lead to the accumulation of proteins in the lens that make it less transparent, which is what causes the clouding that is associated with cataracts.
Medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also accelerate the formation of cataracts, as can certain medications. In rare cases, trauma or radiation to the eye may cause cataracts to form.
Environmental factors, such as smoking, air pollution, and alcohol consumption, may also contribute to the formation of cataracts. In addition, environmental toxins or prolonged exposure to certain types of light or UV radiation can also play a role in the development of cataracts.
What are the first signs of having cataracts?
The most common first signs of having cataracts include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night or in dim light, seeing double images (also known as “ghosting”), seeing halos around lights, and having faded or dulling colors.
In addition, the person may experience increased sensitivity to light, seeing “flashes” in their vision, or astigmatism. If left untreated, a person’s vision can become so impaired that they may become legally blind.
If any signs of cataracts are experienced, make an appointment with your doctor to determine if you have cataracts and, if so, what treatment options are available.
Who is most at risk of getting cataracts?
Cataracts are most common among older adults, though they can occur at any age. They are most prevalent in people aged 55 and older. Cataracts are more likely to develop as people age due to changes in the lens of the eye, a gradual reduction in the amount of water and protein in the lens, and increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
People with diabetes have a significantly increased risk of developing cataracts, as well as those who have sustained eye injuries or have had previous eye surgeries. Smoking and obesity have also been associated with increased risk of cataracts.
People with certain medical conditions may also be more likely to develop cataracts, including those with HIV/AIDS, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Gender and race can also be at play, with women and Caucasians more likely to be diagnosed.
That said, anyone can experience cataracts, and individuals of any age, race, and gender should take the necessary steps to protect their vision and regularly visit their eye doctor for check-ups.
How do you stop cataracts from getting worse?
The most effective way to stop cataracts from getting worse is to have regular eye exams. During these exams, your ophthalmologist can closely monitor any changes to your lens, as well as any growth in the cataract.
Early detection and treatment of cataracts can slow the progression of the condition and improve your sight.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help slow down the progression of cataracts. They may recommend avoiding bright lights, smoking, and eyestrain, as these can all make your vision worse.
In addition, using sunglasses and a brimmed hat when outdoors can protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, which are known to contribute to the development of cataracts.
Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure in your eyes, and in some cases, special magnifying lenses that can help you see more clearly. Surgery is also an option, where the doctor will use an ultrasonic device to remove the cataracts and replace the lens with an artificial one.
To summarize, the best way to stop cataracts from getting worse is to have regular eye exams and to make changes to your lifestyle and prescription medications or surgery, if necessary. Lastly, it’s important to protect your eyes from bright lights and ultraviolet rays to keep them healthy.
What age do cataracts usually start?
Cataracts usually start to form in people as they get older. Most cataracts develop in people aged 55 and older, although the age of onset can vary depending on various factors. In people aged 65 and over, more than half of all cases of cataract are found.
Some conditions that cause cataract development can occur in younger people, such as diabetes, steroid use, or eye trauma; but usually this age-related type of cataract is the most common presentation.
It is estimated that about 22 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts, and this number is expected to continue to grow as baby boomers age.
What stage should cataracts be removed?
Cataract removal is typically recommended when vision problems begin to interfere with daily activities. Cataract surgery should be considered when eye glasses no longer correct vision problems, when glare from oncoming headlights becomes intolerable, when reading becomes difficult and when there is an overall decreased vision quality that affects daily activities such as work, recreation and driving.
In many cases, the decision to have surgery performed is provided by an eye care professional’s recommendation; however, some patients may decide to have surgery even when their vision is still satisfactory.
The best time to have a cataract removed will depend on the individual patient’s symptoms and lifestyle. Generally, cataract removal is performed once the cataract has reached a certain level of growth.
If the cataract is advanced and impacting vision quality, surgery may be recommended sooner. It is important to speak with your doctor if you are considering having cataract surgery. They can help you weigh the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure, such as lifestyle changes, medications or contact lenses that can help improve vision.
How do I know when I need cataract surgery?
Generally, you will know when it’s time for cataract surgery when your vision becomes blurry or dim due to the clouding of the lenses in your eyes. Symptoms can include a decrease in night vision, the need for brighter lighting, difficulty seeing small details or reading, and sensitivity to light and glare.
Additionally, you may also notice an increased difficulty in recognizing faces, and at times you may even experience a halo or ‘starburst’ effect around lights.
If you’re having any of these visual difficulties, it’s important to make an appointment with your eye doctor for an eye exam. Your doctor can diagnose whether or not you need cataract surgery and will be able to determine the best and safest treatment plan for you.
Can you wait too long to have cataract surgery?
Yes, you can wait too long to have cataract surgery, but this is generally not recommended. Over time, cataracts can become more severe, leading to a decline in vision quality. Early cataract surgery can restore vision more quickly and is typically less complicated than surgery performed later.
Additionally, later stage cataracts often require a more complex procedure. In general, if vision is getting worse and affecting daily activities, it is best to have cataract surgery as soon as possible.
This can also reduce the risk of complications that may be associated with the procedure if done late. If you have symptoms of cataracts and are considering cataract surgery, it is best to discuss this with your eye doctor and make an informed decision about the best timing for your individual situation.
What happens if you leave cataracts too long?
If cataracts are left untreated for too long, the clouded lens may become so dense that your vision can become severely impaired and with that, a person’s quality of life can also decline. Cataracts will not go away on their own, so it’s important to speak to an eye doctor about how to address the condition.
If you don’t, it can eventually lead to farsightedness or nearsightedness, glares, or difficulty seeing shapes or colors. You may also experience difficulty driving at night, reading, performing tasks that involve close vision, and difficulty recognizing faces of family and friends.
In addition, leaving cataracts untreated can cause more serious health problems, such as developing diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, or glaucoma. All of these conditions can cause permanent vision loss, so it’s important to get cataracts treated as soon as possible.
Surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore vision, so it’s important to contact an eye care professional as soon as possible.
How long do you have to wear sunglasses after cataract surgery?
It is important to wear sunglasses after a cataract surgery, especially when outdoors. Your ophthalmologist may recommend that you wear sunglasses for up to four weeks after surgery. During this period, it is important to protect your eyes from bright sunlight, as well as wind and dust.
In addition, you may be advised to wear sunglasses just to be on the safe side in order to protect your eyes from the ultraviolet (UV) light. Generally speaking, you should use your sunglasses during the day, while indoors, and when the sun is at its brightest.
It is best to wear wrap-around sunglasses to ensure the best UV protection. Depending on your risk factors and the severity of your cataract, your surgeon may recommend that you continue wearing sunglasses indefinitely or for a period of time after the four weeks.
What does vision with severe cataracts look like?
Cataracts are a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye that can cause blurry or hazy vision. When vision is impaired by a cataract, it can feel like you are looking through a fog and your vision may be more blurred, dull, or dim.
Colors can also appear muted, while things may appear yellowish, brownish, or have a glare. Many people who have severe cataracts may experience double vision or “ghost images” because the eye struggles to focus and move properly.
Severe cataracts may also cause halos around lights and can lead to significant vision loss or even total blindness. Depending on the severity of the cataracts, it may be recommended to have them surgically removed in order to restore vision.
What does your vision look like when you have cataracts?
Having cataracts can cause vision to become cloudy, blurry, and difficult to see colors accurately. Vision can also become more sensitive to glare and light, making it difficult to drive at night or in situations where there is bright light.
Additionally, seeing colors can become dull or faded, making the world seem overly bright. In some cases, vision may appear double, or everything may appear little “squiggly” when trying to focus. Cataracts can cause images to appear smaller than they actually are, making it more difficult to identify details in faces or recognize objects.
Lastly, seeing halos around lights can become more common with cataracts. These halos can appear in multiple colors and often have a rings around the lights.