Understanding Cataracts: Why Vision Changes as We Age

By Dr. Garrett Rota

If your vision has become blurry or you’re having more trouble with glare, you may have been told you have a cataract. Cataracts are extremely common, especially after age 60.

What Is a Cataract?

Inside your eye is a natural lens. When we are young, that lens is clear. As we age, the lens slowly becomes cloudy. This cloudiness is called a cataract.

It is not a film over the eye. It is not caused by overusing your eyes. It is a normal part of aging.

By age 70, most people have some degree of cataract.

What Causes Cataracts?

The most common cause is simply aging. Other factors can include:

• Diabetes
• Long-term steroid use
• Previous eye injury
• Excess sun exposure
• Smoking

But for most patients, cataracts develop naturally over time.

What Symptoms Do Cataracts Cause?

Cataracts usually develop slowly. You may notice:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Difficulty driving at night
• Glare or halos around headlights
• Colors appearing faded or yellowed
• Needing brighter light to read
• Frequent changes in glasses

Many patients say, “It feels like I’m looking through a foggy window.”

Do Cataracts Need to Be Removed Right Away?

Not necessarily.

Cataracts only need to be treated when they begin interfering with your daily life. If you are still functioning comfortably, we simply monitor them during routine eye exams.

When they begin affecting activities like driving, reading, or enjoying hobbies, surgery may be recommended.

The good news: cataracts are treatable, and vision can often be restored very successfully.