Age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts. Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old. Where you live. Recent studies have shown that people who live in high altitudes are more at risk of developing cataracts.
At what age do cataracts usually start? The proteins in your eye's lens start to break down around age 40. But you typically won't notice symptoms until age 60 or later. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, may cause you to have symptoms sooner.
Like wrinkles, crepey skin, and brittle bones, as we age, almost everyone gets cataracts eventually. However, your risk for cataracts can vary depending on a number of factors including your overall health and family history.
Age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts. Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old. Where you live. Recent studies have shown that people who live in high altitudes are more at risk of developing cataracts.
Most cataracts are related to age — they happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older. But you can get cataracts for other reasons — like after an eye injury or after surgery for another eye problem (like glaucoma).
This might all sound serious, but cataract surgery is the most commonly performed elective procedure in Australia, with the average age for surgery being just under 76 years¹, and 90% of cataract operations performed on those aged 60 years and over ².
Although it's never too late to have a cataract removed, it is better to have cataracts removed while they are immature, as this reduces the length of surgery and the recovery time. Earlier removal also means that you avoid the significant visual impairment associated with very mature (hypermature) cataracts.
Some Don'ts: Things to Avoid
Avoiding eating and drinking before your surgery. Don't wear makeup to the surgery appointment, and avoid wearing makeup until your ophthalmologist allows it so that you can better prevent infection. Avoid getting irritants in your eyes.
Two randomized controlled trials present the highest quality data included in this review and found that patients who waited less than 6 weeks for cataract surgery experienced better visual and quality-of-life outcomes and fewer adverse events (falls) than patients who waited 6 months or longer.
No, your vision generally doesn't deteriorate after cataract surgery unless other problems arise, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma. In cataract surgery, the eye doctor (ophthalmologist) removes the clouded lens from your eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens.
In a case where the IOL has moved, your eye doctor can easily reposition the lens. While many people will obtain 20/20 vision from their IOL, 30 to 50 percent of people who choose a monofocal IOL will still require corrective lenses after surgery.
According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world—responsible for approximately 51%. By age 80, it's estimated that over half of all Americans will either have an eye cataract or have had surgery to remedy the condition.
Its success rate is about 99 percent. Complications from cataract surgery are rare but may include corneal swelling and/or inflammation in the eyes.
Cataracts usually develop slowly, and you may not have any symptoms at first. They can affect one eye only or both eyes. Eventually, cataracts can make your vision blurred or distorted, make you sensitive to light and glare, or give you the sense of seeing double.
Common causes of early onset cataracts (below age 40) include having poorly-controlled medical conditions like hypertension, eczema and diabetes, chronic use of steroid medications, previous eye trauma, and family history of early onset cataracts.
Eye discoloration is easily the most visible early sign of cataracts. The buildup of proteins may cause your lens to begin to yellow or brown.
While it's an effective way to get rid of cataracts, many people find they still need glasses afterward—at least for some activities. With that in mind, some options can minimize or even eliminate one's need for prescription glasses or contact lenses following the surgery.
What happens if cataracts are left untreated? Untreated cataracts will eventually block light from entering the eye and result in a loss of vision. Worldwide, they are the leading cause of blindness.
Of those participants who expressed an opinion, a majority agreed that after surgery they were happier (74%), more satisfied (76%), had a greater appreciation for their lives (68%) and felt more independent because their eyesight is clear (87%). Nearly all the people surveyed would recommend cataract surgery.
Inflammation. Inflammation in the eye can happen after cataract surgery, but it is typically harmless. Any inflammation within the eye following cataract surgery is the body's natural response to having the eye's lens removed. This reaction causes blurry vision, but your eye doctor can prescribe medication to help.
It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye which occurs as a part of surgery. Patients with larger, denser and/or firmer cataracts are more likely to experience more inflammation.
After successfully undergoing cataract surgery, you should expect your vision to start improving after around 4 to 5 days. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a protective shield or eye patch for the next 12 hours after surgery.
Cystoid Macular Edema
CME is the most frequent complication after an uncomplicated cataract surgery. Its peak incidence is about 6 to 8 weeks post-operatively.
So How Long is Vision Blurry After Cataract Surgery? Most people will see improvement within 24-48 hours after cataract laser surgery, although it can take up to two weeks for your eyes to fully settle to the new implants. Most patients are back to normal activities the next day.