5 Things That Cause Cataracts, And One You Won’t Believe!

Baptist Eye Surgeons • February 1, 2021

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness all over the world. They result in clouded lenses which are easily treated in their early stages and can be treated with surgery if you qualify for the procedure. Despite the fact that they’re so common, it’s still important to understand what can cause cataracts so you know what to expect if you develop them.

The most common cause of cataracts is aging, with half of Americans having some type of cataract by the age of 75. Genetics can also play an important role if you have a family history of the condition. Other causes can be controlled or managed, such as smoking, UV exposure, and diabetes. One surprising cause of cataracts is eye injuries, which can result in the development of cataracts much earlier than normal. 

1. Cataracts and Aging

The most common cause of cataracts is aging. The proteins in the lenses of our eyes begin to break down around the age of 40, causing clouded vision. Over 24 million Americans are believed to have cataracts by the age of 40, and half of Americans are expected to have cataracts by the age of 75.

Cataracts can be forming long before symptoms become noticeable. For instance, symptoms such as clouded vision don’t usually become apparent until around 60 years old. This is why staying on top of your vision health is so important. Cataracts are easily navigated during their early stages and may be treatable with surgery when they become more advanced. 

2. Family History and Cataracts

Family history can play a crucial role in your risk for multiple health issues, including cataracts. While everyone is at risk for cataracts due to aging, some people may be more at risk due to their genetics. In fact, having a close relative with cataracts can greatly increase your chances of developing them than someone with no family history of the condition.

Talk to your family members about cataracts as well as other health issues since this could be a sign of what to expect in the future. Make sure to update your ophthalmologist and the rest of your healthcare team about anything you may learn. This can help them know what to check for during appointments and be prepared for treatment if it becomes necessary. 

3. Smoking

Smoking can wreak havoc on your health and your vision is no exception. In fact, smoking can significantly increase your chances of developing certain eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the Center for Disease Control and (CDC), smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts than nonsmokers.  

Many causes of cataracts, such as aging and family history, are beyond our control. Smoking, on the other hand, is something that we can control for the benefit of our own health. The best thing would be to never start in the first place. The next best option would be to quit immediately to help slow down or even prevent these vision problems from occurring.

4. Diabetes

Like smoking, diabetes can have broad and long-lasting effects on your eye health. As a matter of fact, diabetes is a key indicator of your risk for developing cataracts. The reason for this still isn’t fully understood. However, we do know that those living with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts than those without the disease.

The best way for diabetics to prevent cataracts is to keep their blood sugar levels under control. According to one study, those with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of cataracts by 19% if they lower their glucose levels by 1%. This will help lower their risk of cataracts as well other eye-related conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. 

5. Prolonged UV Exposure

The sun’s radiation can do more than damage your skin — it can also do long-term harm to your eyes. UV rays don’t have to come from the sun to harm your vision. This is why you should be aware of artificial light as much as the natural light we receive from the sun. 

Cataracts are a natural part of growing older. However, repeated exposure to UV radiation without eye protection can amplify and speed up this process. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, so it’s important to protect yourself however you can.

The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses. This may take a little bit of looking, but the results are well worth it. When buying sunglasses, whether they’re prescription or not, choose a pair with:

  • UV absorption
  • A good fit
  • Durable lenses
  • Quality lenses

When checking for UV absorption , look for sunglasses with 99 – 100% UV protection. Pairs labeled “400nm” are also good since that means they have 100% UV absorption. Fit is important since poorly fitting frames can still allow light to get in your eyes. Choose frames that fit closely without touching your eyelashes and are even with your brow.

You want durable lenses since you’ll probably be wearing your sunglasses while on the go, and this is especially important if you lead an active lifestyle. Poor quality lenses can make it harder to see clearly, so try them on beforehand to make sure that you can see through the lenses without any distorted vision.

Surprising Cause of Cataracts: Eye Injuries

One cause of cataracts that surprises a lot of patients are eye injuries. Hurting your eye is bad enough, but the knowledge that it could lead to a cataract can make it even worse. That’s why you should always visit your eye doctor after an eye injury, regardless of whether it seems serious or not. They will be able to keep track of it for any issues further down the road.

Like glaucoma, traumatic cataracts come in blunt and penetrating types. Different types of trauma can cause cataracts to form in different ways. What’s important is that you notify your eye doctor of the injury as soon as possible. They will be able to treat your immediate injury as well as help you prepare for cataract treatment if it becomes necessary.

Cataracts can be caused by a variety of factors. While aging is the most common, genetics also play a role that must be taken into consideration. Other causes such as smoking, diabetes, and UV exposure can be maintained or even controlled with proper treatment and precautions. Injuries are a surprising cause of cataracts and should be discussed with your eye doctor in case they result in cataracts later on in life.

Have you experienced any of these possible causes of cataracts? Are you concerned you have a heightened risk for developing cataracts? If so, contact us today and schedule your comprehensive eye exam.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age. 

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...