Cataracts occur as part of the aging process, so everyone is at risk eventually.  By age 75, about 70 percent of people will have cataracts. The eye’s lens slowly becomes less flexible, less transparent and thicker. Then areas of the lens become cloudy; if left in place until the “overripe” stage, the cataract would be completely white and would block vision. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes at about the same time.

There are many misconceptions about cataract. Cataract is not a film over the eye. A cataract does not spread from one eye to the other, nor is it a cause of irreversible blindness.

> Learn more about cataracts

Who is at risk?

These factors increase the risk of developing cataracts:

• Advanced age;
• Diabetes;
• Family history;
• Smoking;
• Previous eye injury or inflammation;
• Prolonged steroid use (especially combined use of oral and inhaled steroids); and
• Extensive exposure to sunlight.

If you have any of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist, Eye M.D., for an exam.

Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision, particularly for seniors, but they are treatable. Your Eye M.D. can tell you whether cataract or some other problem is the cause of your vision loss and can help you decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you.

Regular medical eye exams can help prevent unnecessary vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an Eye M.D. will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.

Last reviewed and updated in May 2009,
by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.