Not everyone develops cataracts, but most people will if they live long enough

Cataracts are extremely common in older age, but they are not inevitable for everyone. By age 80, more than half of Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. That said, some people reach their 80s and 90s with clear lenses. The difference comes down to age, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to certain risk factors over decades.

The key point: cataracts develop slowly over time, and whether you get one depends partly on things you cannot control and partly on things you can. Understanding which is which helps you know what to watch for and what you might be able to influence.

Key Takeaways

  • Most people develop some cloudiness in the lens by their 70s or 80s, but not everyone gets a cataract significant enough to affect vision.
  • Age is the strongest predictor—the longer you live, the higher your risk—but family history, smoking, sun exposure, and certain medical conditions also matter.
  • You cannot prevent cataracts entirely, but protecting your eyes from UV light and not smoking may slow their development.
  • Regular eye exams can catch early cataracts before they affect your daily vision, giving you time to plan if surgery becomes necessary.

Age is the main factor, but it is not the only one

Age-related cataracts are the most common type. The lens in your eye is made mostly of water and protein. Over time, the protein clumps together and clouds the lens. This happens to nearly everyone eventually, but the timing varies widely. Some people notice symptoms in their 60s; others do not have problems until their 80s or 90s.

Genetics play a large role in when and whether you develop a cataract. If your parents or siblings had cataracts early, you are more likely to as well. You cannot change your genes, but knowing your family history helps you understand your own risk and stay alert to early signs.

Smoking and sun exposure speed up cataract development

Smoking roughly doubles the risk of developing cataracts and can make them appear 10 to 20 years earlier than they would otherwise. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the lens proteins directly. If you smoke, quitting is one of the few things you can do to reduce your cataract risk going forward.

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun also damages lens proteins over a lifetime of exposure. People who spend decades working outdoors or living in sunny climates without eye protection tend to develop cataracts earlier. Wearing sunglasses that block UV light—particularly UVA and UVB rays—may slow the process, though it cannot stop it entirely.

Medical conditions and medications can raise your risk

Diabetes significantly increases cataract risk, especially if blood sugar is not well controlled. High blood pressure and certain eye injuries or surgeries can also make cataracts more likely. Some medications, particularly corticosteroids taken long-term, are linked to faster cataract development.

If you have diabetes or take corticosteroids regularly, your eye doctor should monitor you more closely. This does not mean you will definitely get a cataract, but it means catching one early matters more.

Early cataracts may not affect your vision at all

Many people have small areas of cloudiness in the lens that an eye doctor can see during an exam but that do not change how they see the world. These early cataracts do not require treatment. You might live with them for years without noticing any difference in your daily life.

Symptoms only appear when the clouding is in the center of the lens or when it becomes dense enough to scatter light. At that point, you might notice glare, blurred vision, or difficulty seeing at night. Some people never reach that stage; others do. Regular eye exams help you know where you stand.

What you can actually control

You cannot stop aging or change your genes, but a few habits may help slow cataract development. Quitting smoking is the single most effective step if you smoke. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors, especially in bright or sunny environments, protects your lens from cumulative damage.

Keeping blood sugar controlled if you have diabetes, managing blood pressure, and avoiding long-term corticosteroid use when possible also matter. None of these steps will prevent cataracts entirely, but they may delay them or reduce how quickly they progress.

Screening and early detection make a real difference

An eye doctor can detect cataracts before you notice symptoms. If you are over 60, having an eye exam every one to two years is standard. If you have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of early cataracts, more frequent exams may be worthwhile.

Knowing you have an early cataract gives you time to adjust your habits, plan for possible surgery down the road, and watch for changes. You do not have to act immediately—most cataracts progress slowly—but you are not caught off guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get cataracts before age 60?

Yes. Younger people can develop cataracts from injury, certain medications (especially long-term corticosteroids), diabetes, or rarely, genetic conditions. Smoking and intense sun exposure without protection also raise the risk in younger adults. If you notice vision changes before 60, an eye exam is worth scheduling.

If your parent had cataracts, will you definitely get them?

No. Family history increases your risk, but it does not may provide you will develop a cataract. You might develop one later than your parent did, or you might not develop one at all. Lifestyle factors and overall health also play a role.

Does wearing glasses or contacts prevent cataracts?

No. Glasses and contacts correct vision but do not slow cataract development. UV-blocking sunglasses are different—they protect the lens from sun damage. Regular eyeglasses do not block enough UV light unless they are specifically labeled as UV-protective.

Can cataracts go away on their own?

No. Once the lens protein clumps and clouds, it does not clear up without surgery. Some early cloudiness may not progress, but it will not reverse. If a cataract is affecting your vision, surgery is the only treatment.

How often should you get your eyes checked if you have risk factors?

If you have diabetes, a family history of early cataracts, or take long-term corticosteroids, ask your eye doctor how often to come in. Many recommend every one to two years starting in your 50s, or sooner if you have multiple risk factors.