Cataract Awareness Month: Key Statistics, Risk Factors & How to Support Long-Term Vision

June is Cataract Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about one of the most common causes of vision changes as we age.

Cataracts are incredibly common—and highly treatable—but many people do not realize their blurry or cloudy vision may be related to changes in the eye’s natural lens.

According to information shared by UNC Ophthalmology, cataracts affect more than 25 million Americans of advancing age, and the CDC reports that more than 17% of Americans over age 40 have at least one eye affected by cataracts. By age 75, that number rises to approximately 70%.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract happens when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy.

The lens helps focus light so you can see clearly. Around age 40, proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together. Over time, this can make the lens cloudy and reduce vision.

In simple terms: a cataract is not a growth over the eye. It is clouding inside the lens of the eye.

How Common Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions.

• More than 25 million Americans are affected
• More than 17% of Americans over 40 have cataracts in at least one eye
• By age 75, about 70% of Americans may be affected
• Cataracts are considered a leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide

The key word is reversible. Cataracts can often be treated successfully with surgery when they begin interfering with daily life.

Common Cataract Symptoms

Cataracts usually develop slowly, which means vision changes can be easy to dismiss at first.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Glare from headlights or sunlight
• Halos around lights
• Colors appearing faded or yellowed
• Needing brighter light to read
• Frequent glasses or contact lens prescription changes

If these symptoms are becoming noticeable, it may be time for a comprehensive eye exam.

What Increases Cataract Risk?

Age is the biggest risk factor, but certain lifestyle and health factors may speed up cataract development.

Common risk factors include:

• Excessive sunlight or UV exposure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Long-term steroid medication use
• Eye trauma or injury
• Other eye diseases

While everyone develops lens changes with age, these factors can accelerate the process.

Nutrition and Cataract Prevention: What Matters?

Nutrition cannot reverse an existing cataract, but a healthy diet may help support long-term eye health and may help slow cataract development or progression.

UNC Ophthalmology notes that research suggests a diet high in vitamin C-rich foods may help slow cataract progression.

Vitamin C-rich foods include:

• Oranges
• Kiwi
• Lemons
• Grapefruit
• Bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower

For people looking to support eye health from within, nutrition is one piece of the bigger picture.

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Other Ways to Support Long-Term Vision

Along with nutrition, eye doctors often recommend several practical habits for protecting vision over time.

Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses

Because UV exposure may contribute to cataract development, sunglasses with UV protection are a smart everyday habit.

Do Not Smoke

Smoking is associated with increased cataract risk and can affect overall eye health.

Manage Diabetes and Other Health Conditions

Diabetes can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases, so routine medical and eye care are especially important.

Schedule Routine Eye Exams

Comprehensive eye exams are essential because cataracts and other age-related eye conditions can develop gradually.

When Should You Get Screened?

UNC Ophthalmology recommends that all asymptomatic adults have a comprehensive eye exam by age 40. By age 65, routine eye exams are generally recommended every year. 

Routine eye exams can detect cataracts early and also screen for other age-related eye diseases.

When Is Cataract Surgery Needed?

Cataracts do not always need to be removed right away.

Surgery is usually considered when cataracts begin affecting quality of life or normal daily function, such as:

• Driving safely
• Reading
• Working
• Seeing clearly at night
• Enjoying hobbies

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. Cataract surgery can also help correct some vision prescriptions at the same time. 

Final Thoughts

Cataracts are common, but they should not be ignored.

The statistics are clear: cataracts affect millions of Americans, become increasingly common with age, and are a leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide.

The good news is that early detection, healthy lifestyle habits, UV protection, nutrition, and modern cataract surgery all play an important role in protecting vision.

This Cataract Awareness Month, consider scheduling a comprehensive eye exam—especially if you are over 40 or noticing changes in your vision.

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