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.
In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60, and the average age for cataract surgery in the United States is 73. However, changes in the lenses of our eyes start to affect us in our 40's.
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.
A consistently healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, oily fish and whole grains may result in a decreased risk of cataracts. Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as vitamins A, C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega 3 fatty acids may also reduce the risk of cataract progression.
The operation can be performed at any stage of cataract development. There is no need to wait until your cataract is “ripe” before removing it. Most people choose to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision starts to cause them difficulties in everyday life.
Trauma-related cataracts are typically the most fast-growing type of cataracts. Radiation: Radiation-related cataracts, sometimes listed under trauma-related cataracts, occur after the lens has been exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can result in clouded vision in as little as two years.
While not a direct cause of cataracts, stress and anxiety can aggravate existing eye conditions that lead to cataracts. A perfect example of this is dry eye syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when your tears are unable to keep your eyes lubricated.
The Cons of Cataract Treatment
You might experience itching, discomfort, or pain during this process. Swelling and bleeding are also common side effects. It takes about eight weeks to heal from cataract surgery fully. Your eyes will need to adjust to the new lenses after surgery, which can cause discomfort.
In the case of age-related cataracts, the condition usually progresses slowly over a number of months or years. While some patients can be tempted to wait until their vision is sufficiently affected, you may also undergo surgery to fully restore your vision at any stage of cataract development.
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.
People with dark brown eyes have the greatest risk of developing cataracts. An Australian study found that the risk can be up to 2.5 times greater for certain types of cataracts. Researchers suspect the reason is similar to wearing a black shirt in the middle of summer.
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.
Roughly 51 percent of the world's cases of blindness are the result of cataracts. That's an estimated 20 million people. Much of this is due to the fact that not all regions of the world have access to reliable eye care centers, which means cataract removal surgery cannot be performed.
The National Eye Institute publishes that age-related cataracts can form in a person's 40s or 50s, but they generally progress slowly enough that they do not start to really impair vision until age 60 or so.
If your eyes are regularly over-exposed to the sun's UV rays this can certainly damage them, possibly causing vision problems, blindness, and cataracts. The longer your eyes are exposed to the UV rays the higher the risk of cataracts forming.
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.
Although, the vision loss is only temporary in many cases as long as you rehydrate your body with plenty of water. If you experience constant eye dehydration, this can increase the risks of developing cataracts sooner.
You should also do your best to avoid soft drinks, processed foods, fried foods, and sugary snacks. Eating and consuming these things are all associated with the increased likelihood of cataracts at a younger age.
Cloudy or blurry vision
This is the most common symptom of cataracts. It can affect both distance and reading vision which may appear foggy. If left untreated, the clouding of the lens means the cataract will worsen, with less light able to get through the lens.
Due to old age, you will develop some amount of cataracts during your lifetime. It may not develop to the point of needing surgery but you will eventually have some form of it.
Cataract surgery is not painful. While patients are awake during surgery, there is little or no discomfort involved. A mild sedative may be administered before the surgery, which calms the nerves, and eye drops are used to numb the eye.