Aging is the leading cause. As the years pass, the proteins that make up the lens gradually break down, a normal biological process that many people first notice in their 40s and feel more distinctly in their 60s and 70s. It is not the only cause, though. Diabetes is among the most significant, because elevated blood sugar affects lens proteins directly, and long-term eye inflammation such as uveitis can lead to cataracts over time. Long-term use of corticosteroids, whether as pills, drops, or inhalers, is linked to posterior subcapsular cataracts, so if you rely on steroids for a chronic condition, regular eye exams matter more.
Smoking, heavy alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure without UV-protective sunglasses, and a diet low in antioxidant-rich foods are all associated with cataracts forming earlier or progressing faster. A significant blow to the eye can trigger a traumatic cataract either immediately or years later, which is why protective eyewear during sports, yard work, and workplace tasks is worth the small inconvenience.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to diagnose a cataract accurately and judge how much it is affecting you. Using a slit lamp, your doctor examines the lens in fine detail; dilating drops widen the pupil so the full lens and the retina behind it can be seen. The exam also measures visual sharpness and checks eye pressure with tonometry. The same exam that finds a cataract also catches the conditions that become more common with age, including glaucoma, macular changes, and dry eye, and addressing them alongside your cataract care leads to a better long-term result. If you are 60 or older, a dilated exam at least every two years is the standard recommendation; our team may suggest yearly visits depending on your eye health.
