09/30/2026
What really causes cataracts? While most people know that age is the biggest factor, many are surprised to learn about the other risks that can significantly accelerate cataract development.
Since cataracts are the leading cause of reversible vision loss worldwide, understanding your personal risk is the first step toward protecting your long-term vision. Here are the most common causes our surgeons discuss with patients:
𝗔𝗴𝗲: The #1 cause. More than half of all Americans have cataracts by the time they are 80 years old as the proteins in the eye's lens naturally change over time.
𝗨𝗩 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: This is a major factor here in Texas. Lifelong, unprotected sun exposure causes cumulative and irreversible damage to the lens, speeding up clouding.
𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: A significant and controllable risk. Smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers due to the toxic damage to the lens.
𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 & 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿: Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause chemical changes within the lens, often leading to earlier and more rapid cataract formation.
The good news? While you can't stop aging, some of these risks are manageable. In our new, comprehensive guide, we cover all the risk factors in detail and provide a full list of prevention strategies to help you slow progression.
➡️ Read the post: https://www.berkeleyeye.com/blog/what-can-cause-cataracts-houston
Cataracts can affect people of all ages, although they occur the most often in people aged 65 and up. The condition usually occurs in both eyes, but they often form at different rates.