These Cataract Risk Factors Have Nothing to Do With Your Eyes

Key TakeawaysThe risk of developing cataracts increases as you age.Certain aspects of your lifestyle can raise your risk of getting cataracts.Experts recommend doing what you can to lower your risk through making health-supporting lifestyle changes.Cataractsare a vision-changing condition that many people don’t know much about. You may not realize that some risk factors for cataracts are things in your life that you wouldn’t link to your eye health and vision.This Cataract Awareness Month, here’s what experts want you to know about what it means to have cataracts, how different aspects of your life might influence your risk of developing them, and what you can do to lower your chances.How Cataracts Cause Vision LossWhat Are Cataracts?A cataract is a cloudy spot in the lens of your eye. The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps it focus light.At first, you may not even notice that you have cataracts. But over time, they can blur your vision or make it look hazy or less colorful. Cataracts can also make reading or doing everyday activities more difficult. If they’re not treated, cataracts can lead to vision loss.“It can be like looking through a foggy window—the details get lost,”Carissa Janczak, OD, an assistant clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, told Verywell. “Colors may seem less bright. Cataracts can also cause issues with glare or trouble seeing in low-lighted situations, which can make nighttime and night driving problematic.”Dealing with cataracts “can cause seemingly normal and mundane daily tasks to be a challenge,” said Janczak.Cataracts can be treated—usually with surgery.Overview of Cataract SurgeryWho Gets Cataracts?Anyone can get cataracts, but some people are at higher risk than others. Older adults are the most likely to have cataracts. More than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.“Cataracts can start to develop anywhere between the ages of 40 to 50, but you may not have any vision problems early on as they are usually slow to grow,” Janczak said. “This is why you may hear your eye doctor tell you that you have cataracts for years before you actually have symptoms or need surgery to remove them.”Bavand Youssefzadeh, DO, an ophthalmologist at Global Lasik and Cataract Institute in Huntington Beach, CA, told Verywell that other factors that can influence whether you develop cataracts arediabetes, steroid use, trauma to the eye, smoking, UV exposure, and genes.Symptoms of cataracts can include:Cloudyor blurry visionColors that look fadedTrouble seeing well at nightLamps, sunlight, or headlights seem too brightSeeing ahalo around lightsSeeing doubleNeeding to change theprescription for your glasses or contact lensesoften“If you are developing normal age-related cataracts, symptoms start typically around 60 or later,” said Janczak. “But everyone’s bodies are a little bit different. It depends upon what type of cataract is developing and your medical history.”Laser Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional: What to KnowSurprising Risk Factors for CataractsCertain aspects of your daily life that aren’t directly related to vision or your eyes may actually contribute to a higherrisk of getting cataracts.ObesitySeveral studies have found a link between obesity and the risk of developing cataracts. One meta-analysis of 16 studies found that having a higherbody mass index (BMI)was linked to an increased risk of developing age-related cataracts.Another study of health data in Korea showed that people withfatty liver disease(which can co-occur with obesity) had a higher risk of developing cataracts.The reason for this link seems to be indirect rather than direct, though. “Obesity is linked to many health conditions, one being a risk of diabetes which is a known risk factor for developing cataracts,” said Janczak. “When there are higher blood sugar levels in the body, this can cause changes inside the lens, leading to cataract formation.”Obesity is a complex condition, but research suggests that treating it may help lower your risk of developing cataracts, according to Youssefzadeh.How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?SmokingSmokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts than people who do not smoke.“Smoking is a well-known risk factor for developing cataracts as it increases free radicals in our body that damage the special proteins in the lens,” said Janczak.To put it simply, the best way to lower your risk of developing cataracts from smoking is to quit. “Smoking causes so many health-related issues,” said Youssefzadeh. “Inflammatory effects from smoking impact your body and your eyes.”If you want to stop smoking but are having trouble quitting, it’s definitely a conversation to have with your provider. There are many ways to go aboutsmoking cessation, and they can help you find a method that will work for you.Where You LiveWhile age is still the leading risk factor for cataracts, research has found that where you live could play a role, too. One study of medical claims data for one million people found that those living in highly urbanized areas were more likely to get age-related cataracts.However, the research isn’t clear-cut. “Those in more rural living areas have more sun exposure and are therefore at increased risk,” said Janczak. “This is controversial and studies still need to be done to make these correlations.”Sun ExposureUnprotected exposure toUV radiationcan raise your risk of cataracts. One study of 816 people found that nearly 70% of thosediagnosed with cataractssaid they never or rarely usedsunglasses, hats, or umbrellas in harsh daylight.Spending a lot of time in the sun is a known risk factor for cataracts. “Wear sunglasses—it’s important,” said Youssefzadeh.You may not be able to totally prevent cataracts, but what you can do is “try to prolong symptoms and prevent earlier onset,” said Janczak, adding that things like “eating a healthy diet, properly managing health conditions, wearing sun protection or protective eyewear in work or sporting situations, and quitting smoking” are all things that benefit your whole-body health, not just your precious peepers.What This Means for YouCataracts are a common condition as you get older. While there’s only so much you can do to lower your risk, making some health-promoting changes in your life like quitting smoking and managing your weight can help.All-Natural Strategies to Prevent Cataracts

Key Takeaways

The risk of developing cataracts increases as you age.Certain aspects of your lifestyle can raise your risk of getting cataracts.Experts recommend doing what you can to lower your risk through making health-supporting lifestyle changes.

Cataractsare a vision-changing condition that many people don’t know much about. You may not realize that some risk factors for cataracts are things in your life that you wouldn’t link to your eye health and vision.

This Cataract Awareness Month, here’s what experts want you to know about what it means to have cataracts, how different aspects of your life might influence your risk of developing them, and what you can do to lower your chances.

How Cataracts Cause Vision Loss

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a cloudy spot in the lens of your eye. The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps it focus light.

At first, you may not even notice that you have cataracts. But over time, they can blur your vision or make it look hazy or less colorful. Cataracts can also make reading or doing everyday activities more difficult. If they’re not treated, cataracts can lead to vision loss.

“It can be like looking through a foggy window—the details get lost,”Carissa Janczak, OD, an assistant clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, told Verywell. “Colors may seem less bright. Cataracts can also cause issues with glare or trouble seeing in low-lighted situations, which can make nighttime and night driving problematic.”

Dealing with cataracts “can cause seemingly normal and mundane daily tasks to be a challenge,” said Janczak.Cataracts can be treated—usually with surgery.

Overview of Cataract Surgery

Who Gets Cataracts?

Anyone can get cataracts, but some people are at higher risk than others. Older adults are the most likely to have cataracts. More than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.

“Cataracts can start to develop anywhere between the ages of 40 to 50, but you may not have any vision problems early on as they are usually slow to grow,” Janczak said. “This is why you may hear your eye doctor tell you that you have cataracts for years before you actually have symptoms or need surgery to remove them.”

Bavand Youssefzadeh, DO, an ophthalmologist at Global Lasik and Cataract Institute in Huntington Beach, CA, told Verywell that other factors that can influence whether you develop cataracts arediabetes, steroid use, trauma to the eye, smoking, UV exposure, and genes.

Symptoms of cataracts can include:

“If you are developing normal age-related cataracts, symptoms start typically around 60 or later,” said Janczak. “But everyone’s bodies are a little bit different. It depends upon what type of cataract is developing and your medical history.”

Laser Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional: What to Know

Surprising Risk Factors for Cataracts

Certain aspects of your daily life that aren’t directly related to vision or your eyes may actually contribute to a higherrisk of getting cataracts.

Obesity

Several studies have found a link between obesity and the risk of developing cataracts. One meta-analysis of 16 studies found that having a higherbody mass index (BMI)was linked to an increased risk of developing age-related cataracts.Another study of health data in Korea showed that people withfatty liver disease(which can co-occur with obesity) had a higher risk of developing cataracts.

The reason for this link seems to be indirect rather than direct, though. “Obesity is linked to many health conditions, one being a risk of diabetes which is a known risk factor for developing cataracts,” said Janczak. “When there are higher blood sugar levels in the body, this can cause changes inside the lens, leading to cataract formation.”

Obesity is a complex condition, but research suggests that treating it may help lower your risk of developing cataracts, according to Youssefzadeh.

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

Smoking

Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts than people who do not smoke.

“Smoking is a well-known risk factor for developing cataracts as it increases free radicals in our body that damage the special proteins in the lens,” said Janczak.

To put it simply, the best way to lower your risk of developing cataracts from smoking is to quit. “Smoking causes so many health-related issues,” said Youssefzadeh. “Inflammatory effects from smoking impact your body and your eyes.”

If you want to stop smoking but are having trouble quitting, it’s definitely a conversation to have with your provider. There are many ways to go aboutsmoking cessation, and they can help you find a method that will work for you.

Where You Live

While age is still the leading risk factor for cataracts, research has found that where you live could play a role, too. One study of medical claims data for one million people found that those living in highly urbanized areas were more likely to get age-related cataracts.

However, the research isn’t clear-cut. “Those in more rural living areas have more sun exposure and are therefore at increased risk,” said Janczak. “This is controversial and studies still need to be done to make these correlations.”

Sun Exposure

Unprotected exposure toUV radiationcan raise your risk of cataracts. One study of 816 people found that nearly 70% of thosediagnosed with cataractssaid they never or rarely usedsunglasses, hats, or umbrellas in harsh daylight.

Spending a lot of time in the sun is a known risk factor for cataracts. “Wear sunglasses—it’s important,” said Youssefzadeh.

You may not be able to totally prevent cataracts, but what you can do is “try to prolong symptoms and prevent earlier onset,” said Janczak, adding that things like “eating a healthy diet, properly managing health conditions, wearing sun protection or protective eyewear in work or sporting situations, and quitting smoking” are all things that benefit your whole-body health, not just your precious peepers.

What This Means for YouCataracts are a common condition as you get older. While there’s only so much you can do to lower your risk, making some health-promoting changes in your life like quitting smoking and managing your weight can help.

What This Means for You

Cataracts are a common condition as you get older. While there’s only so much you can do to lower your risk, making some health-promoting changes in your life like quitting smoking and managing your weight can help.

All-Natural Strategies to Prevent Cataracts

6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Cataracts.Niazi S, Moshirfar M, Dastjerdi MH, Niazi F, Doroodgar F, Ambrósio R Jr.Association between obesity and age-related cataract: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Front Nutr. 2024;10:1215212. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1215212Kang KH, Shin D, Ryu IH, et al.Association between cataract and fatty liver diseases from a nationwide cross-sectional study in South Korea.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):77. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50582-7Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vision loss, blindness, and smoking.Yu WS, Wang CH, Kuo NW.Impact of urbanization and sunlight exposure on cataract incidence.Appl Sci (Basel). 2021;11(17):8137. doi:10.3390/app11178137Chen LJ, Chang YJ, Shieh CF, Yu JH, Yang MC.Relationship between practices of eye protection against solar ultraviolet radiation and cataract in a rural area.PLoS One. 2021;16(7):e0255136. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0255136

6 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Cataracts.Niazi S, Moshirfar M, Dastjerdi MH, Niazi F, Doroodgar F, Ambrósio R Jr.Association between obesity and age-related cataract: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Front Nutr. 2024;10:1215212. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1215212Kang KH, Shin D, Ryu IH, et al.Association between cataract and fatty liver diseases from a nationwide cross-sectional study in South Korea.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):77. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50582-7Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vision loss, blindness, and smoking.Yu WS, Wang CH, Kuo NW.Impact of urbanization and sunlight exposure on cataract incidence.Appl Sci (Basel). 2021;11(17):8137. doi:10.3390/app11178137Chen LJ, Chang YJ, Shieh CF, Yu JH, Yang MC.Relationship between practices of eye protection against solar ultraviolet radiation and cataract in a rural area.PLoS One. 2021;16(7):e0255136. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0255136

National Eye Institute.Cataracts.Niazi S, Moshirfar M, Dastjerdi MH, Niazi F, Doroodgar F, Ambrósio R Jr.Association between obesity and age-related cataract: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Front Nutr. 2024;10:1215212. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1215212Kang KH, Shin D, Ryu IH, et al.Association between cataract and fatty liver diseases from a nationwide cross-sectional study in South Korea.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):77. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50582-7Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vision loss, blindness, and smoking.Yu WS, Wang CH, Kuo NW.Impact of urbanization and sunlight exposure on cataract incidence.Appl Sci (Basel). 2021;11(17):8137. doi:10.3390/app11178137Chen LJ, Chang YJ, Shieh CF, Yu JH, Yang MC.Relationship between practices of eye protection against solar ultraviolet radiation and cataract in a rural area.PLoS One. 2021;16(7):e0255136. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0255136

National Eye Institute.Cataracts.

Niazi S, Moshirfar M, Dastjerdi MH, Niazi F, Doroodgar F, Ambrósio R Jr.Association between obesity and age-related cataract: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Front Nutr. 2024;10:1215212. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1215212

Kang KH, Shin D, Ryu IH, et al.Association between cataract and fatty liver diseases from a nationwide cross-sectional study in South Korea.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):77. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50582-7

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vision loss, blindness, and smoking.

Yu WS, Wang CH, Kuo NW.Impact of urbanization and sunlight exposure on cataract incidence.Appl Sci (Basel). 2021;11(17):8137. doi:10.3390/app11178137

Chen LJ, Chang YJ, Shieh CF, Yu JH, Yang MC.Relationship between practices of eye protection against solar ultraviolet radiation and cataract in a rural area.PLoS One. 2021;16(7):e0255136. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0255136

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?

Key Takeaways#

What Are Cataracts?#

Who Gets Cataracts?#

Surprising Risk Factors for Cataracts#

Obesity#

Smoking#

Where You Live#

Sun Exposure#

What This Means for You#