What Are Cataracts and What Should You Do About Them?
Is your vision fading as you age? These signs may mean you have cataracts.
Changes in vision often start in small, easy-to-miss ways. Maybe headlights seem a little too bright at night, reading your phone is harder than it used to be or colors don't look as sharp. You might brush these things off, assuming they're just part of getting older or needing new glasses. But in many cases, these changes are early signs of cataracts, a very common eye condition that affects millions of people as they age.
Cataracts happen when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This lens works like a camera, helping focus light so you can see clearly. Over time, proteins in the lens can break down and clump together, making the lens less clear. When that occurs, your vision can become blurry, dim or dull.
What Are the Signs of Cataracts?
Most cataracts develop slowly. At first, you may not notice much, but as they grow, you might start to see symptoms like:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Trouble seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light or glare
- Colors looking faded or yellow
- Seeing halos around lights
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Cataracts?
Age is the biggest risk factor. Cataracts are very common in people over 60, but age isn't the only reason they form. Other risks include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Long-term exposure to sunlight without eye protection
- Heavy alcohol use
- Certain medications, especially steroids
- Eye injuries or past eye surgery
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't mean you'll definitely develop cataracts, but your chances may be higher.
What Should You Do If You Think You Might Have Cataracts?
Start by seeing an eye doctor for a full exam. They can tell you if you have cataracts and how advanced they are. If your symptoms are mild, you may not need surgery right away. Instead, your doctor may suggest:
- Updating your glasses or contact lenses
- Using brighter lights at home
- Wearing sunglasses to reduce glare
- Taking extra care when driving at night
If cataracts get worse and start to interfere with everyday activities like reading, driving or recognizing faces, the only way to treat them is with surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed today. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. The procedure is often done in less than an hour and most people go home the same day. Recovery is typically smooth, with many people noticing better vision within a few days.
Can You Prevent Cataracts?
There's no proven way to prevent cataracts, but healthy habits can help protect your eyes and your vision. Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, not smoking and managing health conditions like diabetes can all make a difference in keeping your eyes healthier as you age.
Speak with a Specialist
When you choose Guthrie Specialty Eye Care, you have access to the area’s largest team of eye care experts, including certified optometrists and ophthalmologists trained to treat cataracts, glaucoma, corneal conditions, retinal conditions, and more.
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Date Last Reviewed: April 17, 2026
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
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