Cataracts are a common eye condition that gradually affects your ability to see clearly. While they are a natural part of ageing for many people, there are a range of factors that may contribute to their development, some of which you can manage or potentially avoid. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what causes cataracts, explore the types, symptoms, and risks, and help you better understand your options for maintaining clear vision.
Whether you’re looking for early signs or exploring cataract treatment options, this guide offers a warm and professional overview to support your eye health.
What Is A Cataract?
A cataract forms when the lens of your eye, normally clear, becomes cloudy. This clouding interferes with the passage of light to the retina, causing blurry vision, glare, and difficulty with tasks like reading, driving, or watching TV.
Most cataracts develop slowly and may affect one or both eyes. Over time, the clouding becomes more noticeable, and you may experience increasing vision loss if not addressed.
Cataracts Causes
Understanding what causes cataracts in the eyes can empower you to make proactive choices about your eye health. Multiple factors may be involved, and while some are unavoidable, others may be influenced by your lifestyle and environment.
Ageing
The most significant factor in developing cataracts is age. As part of the natural ageing process, the eye’s natural lens gets less flexible, less transparent, and thicker. This leads to gradual clouding and is why most people experience cataracts later in life.
Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) Exposure
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, specifically from the Sun, can increase your risk of cataracts. UV rays may damage the proteins in the lens, accelerating cataract formation.
Tip: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to help prevent cataracts and shield your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
Diabetes And Other Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, especially diabetes, can affect the eye’s lens, increasing the chance of developing cataracts. High blood sugar can alter the lens’ natural structure and lead to clouding more rapidly.
Other health problems, such as hypertension or metabolic disorders, may also contribute to cataract risk.
Previous Eye Surgery Or Eye Injury
If you’ve had previous eye surgery for conditions like glaucoma or sustained an eye injury, your chances of developing cataracts may increase. Trauma can cause the proteins in the lens to clump together prematurely.
Family History Of Cataracts
A family history of cataracts can increase your likelihood of experiencing the condition. If a close relative has had cataracts, it may be helpful to schedule more regular eye examinations to detect cataracts early.
Smoking And Alcohol Consumption
Both smoking and too much alcohol can increase your risk of cataracts. These habits may create oxidative stress on the lens, promoting cataract formation and reducing your chance of maintaining clear vision over time.
Prolonged Use Of Certain Medications
Long-term use of corticosteroids or other medications might contribute to cataract development. These drugs can interfere with the balance of proteins and fluids in your eye, leading to a clouded lens.
Radiation Exposure
Exposure to radiation, whether for medical treatment or occupational reasons, has also been linked to cataract formation. Protective measures are essential for those regularly working around ultraviolet radiation or X-rays.
Poor Nutrition And Eye Health
A diet lacking in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and lutein may play a role in cataract formation. Nutrients help protect the lens from oxidative damage, and a deficiency may lead to clouding over time.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
An eye examination by a qualified eye doctor or eye specialist can help detect cataracts in their early stages. This may include:
Visual acuity test
Slit-lamp examination
Tonometry (eye pressure check)
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
While not all cases are avoidable, some lifestyle choices may help prevent cataracts or delay their onset. Here’s what you can do:
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Stop smoking
Limit too much alcohol
Eat a diet rich in antioxidants
Manage health conditions like diabetes
Attend regular eye examinations
How Are Cataracts Treated?
The only effective way to treat cataracts is through cataract surgery. This entails removing the affected lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL), a clear, artificial lens designed to restore clear vision.
Your eye specialist will help you decide which option is suited to your unique circumstances. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used lens types:
Single-Vision (Monofocal) Lenses
Single-vision lenses are the most commonly used IOLs. These lenses are set to provide clear vision at one specific distance, either near, intermediate or far.
Many people choose to have their lenses set for long-distance vision and then use reading glasses for close-up tasks.
Multifocal Or Extended Depth Of Focus (EDOF) Lenses
These advanced IOLs are designed to provide a broader range of vision, near, intermediate, and distance, which may reduce your reliance on glasses after surgery.
Although these lenses can offer greater visual freedom, some people may notice more halos or glare, particularly in low light. Your eye specialist can help weigh up whether the benefits align with your lifestyle.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are specially designed for individuals with astigmatism, causing distorted or blurred vision.
These lenses correct astigmatism as well as cataracts, helping improve clear vision without the need for additional corrective eyewear.
Risks Of Cataract Surgery
While cataract surgery is generally highly effective, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, most of which might be treatable with prompt care.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Infection Or Inflammation: Mild inflammation is common and usually resolves with prescribed eye drops. Infections like endophthalmitis are rare but require urgent care.
Retinal Detachment: Rare, but more likely in people with high myopia or past eye injuries. Prompt treatment is essential.
Increased Eye Pressure: Some individuals may experience a temporary rise in intraocular pressure (IOP), which is typically manageable with medication.
Lens Dislocation: The intraocular lens can occasionally shift, leading to blurry or double vision. A follow-up procedure may be needed.
Visual Effects: Glare, halos, or light sensitivity may occur, particularly with certain multifocal lenses, but often improve over time.
Residual Vision Issues: You may still require glasses or contact lenses, particularly for specific activities, depending on the type of lens chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cataracts return after surgery?
While the cataract itself doesn’t return, a condition called posterior capsule opacification may develop. This can be managed with a simple laser procedure.
When should I consider cataract surgery?
You might consider eye surgery when cataracts begin to interfere with your usual activities, such as reading, driving, or recognising faces. Your ophthalmologist will guide you through the decision based on how much the cataracts affect your quality of life.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
That depends on the type of lens used and your vision goals. Many people experience greater visual freedom after surgery, but you may still need glasses or contact lenses for certain tasks, especially if you choose a single-vision lens.
Conclusion
Understanding what causes cataracts is the first step towards protecting your vision. By recognising the risk factors, maintaining healthy habits, and attending regular eye checks, you’re giving your eyes the best possible care.
If you’re noticing changes in your vision, a trusted eye surgeon can explore your options and take that next step towards clearer vision. Cataracts may be common, but with the right support, they don’t have to interfere with the way you see the world.
If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, such as blurry sight, glare, or difficulty with everyday tasks, it may be time to explore your options. Book a consultation with our trusted Melbourne clinic for cataract surgery to learn more about what causes cataracts, how they may be affecting your sight, and what treatment options are available. There’s no pressure, just expert advice and friendly care every step of the way.
Contact Dr Edward Roufail at (03) 9071 0180 to schedule your appointment and take a confident step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources
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Eagle R. Cataracts and Diabetes: A Guide [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2021 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cataracts-and-diabetes
Mintz J. How to Diagnose and Treat Cataracts [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/diagnose-treat-cataracts
TerHorst C. Factors to Consider in Choosing an IOL for Cataract Surgery [Internet]. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/best-artificial-lens-implant-iol-cataract-surgery
