What Causes Cataracts to Worsen Over Time?
What Causes Cataracts to Worsen Over Time?
Understanding what causes cataracts to worsen over time can help you recognise the factors that may affect the health of the eye. Cataracts usually develop gradually as changes occur within the natural lens of the eye. The proteins that make up the lens can become damaged and begin to clump together, making the lens less clear and causing vision to become cloudy or blurred.
Ageing is the most common reason cataracts develop, but several other factors can increase the risk or cause cataracts to progress more quickly. These include prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, diabetes, certain medications, previous eye injuries and some other health conditions.
Why Does Ageing Affect the Lens?
As we get older, the lens of the eye undergoes gradual changes. Proteins within the lens can become damaged and clump together, reducing the normally clear passage of light through the eye. Over time, this can lead to the cloudy or blurred vision associated with cataracts.
Age-related changes are the main cause of cataracts, which is why cataracts become increasingly common as people get older.
Can Oxidative Stress Affect Cataracts?
Oxidative stress is another factor researchers associate with age-related changes in the lens. It occurs when reactive molecules can cause damage to cells and tissues faster than the body’s natural antioxidant systems can manage them.
The eye has its own antioxidant defence systems, but these can become less effective with age. Research into oxidative stress and cataract development has therefore attracted considerable scientific interest.
For more information, see:
National Eye Institute’s information on cataract causes and risk factors
Can UV Exposure Make Cataracts Worse?
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can increase the risk of cataracts. UV radiation can contribute to oxidative damage within the eye, which is one reason protecting the eyes from excessive sunlight is an important part of maintaining long-term eye health.
Wearing sunglasses that provide appropriate UV protection and using a hat or other shade when outdoors can help reduce unnecessary UV exposure.
Does Smoking Increase the Risk of Cataracts?
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of cataracts. Tobacco smoke contains substances that can contribute to oxidative stress and cellular damage, potentially affecting the lens over time.
Stopping smoking is therefore beneficial not only for general health but also as part of protecting long-term eye health.
Can Diabetes Affect Cataracts?
Diabetes is another recognised risk factor for cataracts. Changes in blood glucose levels can affect structures within the eye, and people with diabetes may develop cataracts at an earlier age or experience faster progression.
Managing diabetes effectively and attending recommended eye examinations are important parts of protecting vision.
What Other Factors Can Contribute to Cataracts?
Age, UV exposure, smoking and diabetes are not the only factors associated with cataracts. A family history of cataracts, previous eye injuries or surgery, certain medications such as corticosteroids, and some medical conditions can also increase risk.
The National Eye Institute provides a useful overview of the different factors that may contribute to cataract development.
Read more about cataracts from the National Eye Institute
Nutrition, antioxidants and healthy lifestyle choices may form part of a broader approach to maintaining eye health, but they should not be presented as a replacement for professional eye care or cataract surgery when surgery is recommended.
You can find further information about cataract symptoms and treatment from NHS cataract information.
What About Antioxidants and Eye Health Supplements?
A balanced diet provides a range of nutrients and naturally occurring antioxidants that contribute to normal health. Because oxidative stress is involved in the ageing of the eye, antioxidants have also been studied in relation to eye health.
For a deeper explanation of oxidative stress and antioxidants, see our related guide:
Can antioxidants help protect the eyes from oxidative stress?
When Should You Have Your Eyes Checked?
Because cataracts can develop gradually, regular eye examinations are important, particularly as we get older. An eye-care professional can assess changes in vision and determine whether cataracts or another eye condition may be contributing to symptoms.
If you notice increasingly blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light, halos around lights or frequent changes to your glasses prescription, arrange an eye examination.
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