Scientists believe that certain factors, known as “risk factors,” can increase your chances of developing cataracts. Some you cannot change, but others you may be able to manage.

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye gets cloudy. This can interfere with your daily life and make it more difficult to see things in clear focus.

Most cataracts develop slowly, so you may not have symptoms at first. They can also happen in one eye first, or develop at a different rate in each eye.

Scientists believe that certain factors can increase your risk of developing cataracts. Some you cannot change, but others you may be able to manage or prevent.

Age is the biggest risk factor for cataracts. As you get older, the proteins in your lens start to naturally break down.

Though it’s possible to get cataracts at any age, they are more common in people over the age of 60.

Certain medications can increase your risk of developing cataracts.

Taking long-term steroid medication can increase your risk of cataracts.

Some cancer drugs can also increase your risk of eye damage.

However, it’s important to keep taking your medications as prescribed, to make sure you are treating any conditions you have.

Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns over side effects or risks of your current medications.

If you have previously had eye surgery or a serious eye injury, you may be more likely to develop cataracts.

Additionally, if a family member has cataracts, this can also increase your chances.

If any of these factors apply to you, you may want to discuss your individual risk with your doctor. Certain strategies can help you reduce your chances of developing cataracts or help catch any potential issues early on.

Having certain eye conditions, such as uveitis or short-sightedness can increase your risk of cataracts.

The inflammation from uveitis and the steroids used to treat it can contribute to cataract development.

Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, and spending too much time in the sun without sufficient eye protection are also risk factors of cataracts.

Obesity has many health effects and can contribute to cataract development through oxidative stress and increased inflammation.

Having obesity also increases your risk of diabetes and insulin resistance, which are also risk factors for cataracts.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help you reduce your overall chance of developing cataracts, as well as multiple other health conditions.

Diabetes can increase your risk of cataracts, no matter your age. This is because high blood sugar can contribute to the damage of your lens.

If you have diabetes, make sure to get regular eye checkups to manage your eye health and detect problems early.

Proper management of your diabetes can also help you reduce your risk of developing cataracts.

High blood pressure can have multiple health effects, including increasing your risk of cataracts. This is because the force of the blood can damage delicate blood vessels in your eye.

Inflammation and oxidative stress as a result of high blood pressure can also contribute to eye damage and risk of cataracts.

Multiple factors can contribute to your risk of developing cataracts. Some you may be able to mitigate or manage but others may be outside of your control.

Cataracts are more common in older adults, particularly over the age of 60.

If you do develop cataracts, you may eventually need surgery, if they end up significantly affecting your daily life. This is where you have an artificial lens placed in your eye to replace the cloudy lens.

Otherwise, you may be able to manage symptoms, at least at first, with other measures.

An eye doctor can help you assess your individual risk and how to best manage your eye health.

Eye health

Learn more about how to keep your eyes healthy in our dedicated eye health hub.