Sage-Tips

Can cataracts occur at 30?

While cataracts most commonly affect people over the age of 60, it is not so uncommon for people to develop cataracts in their 40s, 30s and even 20s. Cataracts can even occur at birth!

What is the average age for cataracts to develop?

In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60, and the average age for cataract surgery in the United States is 73. However, changes in the lenses of our eyes start to affect us in our 40’s.

What causes cataracts to develop quickly?

Trauma-related cataracts are typically the most fast-growing type of cataracts. Radiation: Radiation-related cataracts, sometimes listed under trauma-related cataracts, occur after the lens has been exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can result in clouded vision in as little as two years.

Can you get cataracts twice?

This causes that foggy film over the lens and forms into a cataract. During cataract surgery, the natural cataract-affected lens is removed entirely and replaced with an artificial lens. So, it is actually impossible to get another cataract.

What is early stage cataract?

Early cataract: The very beginnings of cataract disease. The lens is still clear, but the ability to change focus between near and far vision has begun to be compromised. You may see the beginnings of blurring or cloudiness, glare from lights may begin to bother you and you may feel increasing eye strain.

Can both cataracts be done at the same time?

Although physically there is no reason why you cannot have cataracts in both eyes treated at the same time, it is generally not recommended. This is because it can take a number of weeks for the eyes to heal. During this time, your vision will still be compromised.

Can cataracts cause double vision?

The most common lens problem that can cause double vision is a cataract, a clouding of the normally clear lens due to aging. Our eye surgeons can remove cataracts in an outpatient surgery.

What do early stage cataracts look like?

The symptoms of early-stage cataracts include mild eye blurriness and cloudiness, early sensitivity to light and glare, and an ever-increasing eye strain. Sudden headaches, seeing flashes of lights, sudden vision changes, and double vision could also be symptoms of early to immature stages of cataracts.

Does everyone eventually get cataracts?

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts. At first, you may not notice that you have a cataract.

Can a cataract appear suddenly?

Cataract development is usually a gradual process of normal aging, but can occasionally occur rapidly. Many people are unaware that they have cataracts because the changes in their vision have been so gradual. Cataracts commonly affect both eyes, but it is not uncommon for cataracts in one eye to advance more rapidly.