Summary:
- Most people will develop cataracts as they age.
- Your risk of developing cataracts increases with age, diabetes, UV exposure, smoking, and steroid use.
- Family history may raise your likelihood of developing cataracts earlier.
How Likely Are You to Get Cataracts?
Cataracts are often seen as a condition that comes with age. And for many people, they do.
But age is not the only factor that determines when, or if, they develop. Your risk can also be influenced by your health, daily habits and, in some cases, your family history.
How likely are you to get cataracts and when should you go for a cataract assessment? We give you the answers below.
The Different Types of Cataracts
Not all cataracts affect your vision in the same way. Where the clouding develops in the lens can influence how symptoms appear and how quickly they progress.
- Nuclear cataracts typically form in the centre of the lens and are most commonly linked to ageing. You may notice gradual blurring, difficulty seeing in low light, or colours appearing more yellow over time.
- Cortical cataracts develop at the outer edges of the lens and move inward. They often affect how light enters the eye, which can lead to glare, halos, or difficulty with bright lights.
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens and tend to progress more quickly. You may notice problems with reading, sensitivity to light, or reduced vision in bright conditions.
- Congenital cataracts are typically present from birth or develop early in life. They are less common and may be linked to genetic factors or conditions affecting eye development.
What Determines Your Risk of Cataracts
Cataracts develop over time, and most people will experience some degree of lens clouding as they age.
Your risk is typically shaped by a combination of the following:
- Ageing: As you get older, proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to lose its clarity.
- Family history and genetics: If your parents or close relatives developed cataracts earlier in life, you may be more likely to develop them as well.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes can increase the risk of cataracts developing earlier. High myopia (severe short-sightedness) is also associated with structural changes in the eye.
- Lifestyle and environmental exposure: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and smoking can contribute to lens changes.
- Medications and eye history: Prolonged steroid use, previous eye injuries, inflammation, or surgery can also increase risk.
Two people of the same age may have very different risk profiles depending on how these factors combine.
When Should You Start Monitoring?
You can start monitoring for cataracts from around age 40, even if your vision feels normal.
If you have higher risk factors — such as diabetes, high myopia, long-term steroid use, or a family history of early cataracts — you may benefit from starting earlier or having more frequent cataract assessments.
Speak to an ophthalmologist at Lumin Eye as a start.
Why Routine Eye Screening Matters
Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness worldwide, affecting more than 94 million people. In many cases, treatment is delayed not because it’s complex, but because changes are not recognised early or care is not sought in time.
Cataracts are not always obvious without an eye exam, especially in the early stages.
Routine eye screening helps to:
- Detect early cataract changes before they interfere with daily activities.
- Track progression, so you know when intervention may be appropriate.
- Distinguish cataracts from other causes of blurred vision, such as refractive changes or retinal conditions.
Cataract surgery is a straightforward and effective procedure, but timing matters. Screening provides the information needed to plan care appropriately, so treatment is considered when it becomes necessary, not after vision has significantly declined.
When to Get Your Eyes Checked Sooner
Consider getting your eyes checked sooner if you experience:
- Blurred or cloudy vision that does not improve with your usual glasses
- Increased sensitivity to light or glare, especially in bright environments
- Difficulty seeing at night, such as while driving
- Halos around lights or reduced contrast
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
- Colours appearing faded or less vivid
- Difficulty reading in dim lighting
These changes can be subtle at first and easy to adjust to, which is why they are often overlooked.
Book an Eye & Cataract Assessment at Lumin Eye
Understanding your risk is one part of the picture. An eye assessment shows how your vision and lens health are actually changing, so you can decide what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we do at a cataract assessment?
At Lumin Eye Specialists, we typically check your vision and examine the lens and retina for clouding. This usually includes a visual acuity test, a slit-lamp exam, and dilating drops to assess the lens and retina.
How do you assess cataracts?
Cataracts are assessed through vision testing and a detailed eye exam. The doctor looks for lens clouding and checks how it affects your vision, while ruling out other causes of similar symptoms
What are the four signs of cataracts?
Common signs include blurred or cloudy vision, sensitivity to light or glare, difficulty seeing at night, and colours appearing faded or less vivid.
What tests are necessary before cataract surgery?
Before surgery, we will measure your eye and vision in detail, including lens clarity, corneal shape, and eye length. These tests help determine the right lens implant and surgical plan.
Common signs include blurred or cloudy vision, sensitivity to light or glare, difficulty seeing at night, and colours appearing faded or less vivid.
Notice Changes in Your Vision? Book an Eye Examination
Cataracts can develop slowly over time, with symptoms that are not always immediately noticeable. A comprehensive eye examination can identify cataracts early and help you understand the most appropriate next steps for your vision.
Book a consultation with Lumin Eye Specialists for cataract assessment.