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- Andrea Feucht, 5 Jun 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Cataracts
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Did you know that more than 20.5 million Americans over the age of 40 are diagnosed with cataracts? The risk of cataracts developing and worsening increases as you age. In fact, over half of Americans over the age of 75 have cataracts.
Though cataracts aren’t uncommon, caring for individuals with cataract disease can be incredibly challenging, especially without the proper resources. While June is recognized as Cataract Awareness Month, understanding and protecting against cataracts is a year-round priority. We’re here to show you the what, how, and why of cataracts, from prevention to treatment and beyond.
Before looking deeper into the definition of what a cataract is, it’s important to understand what the eye’s lens is and how it affects people’s vision.
The eye lens lies beneath the eye’s cornea and assists in focusing light and images onto the retina of the eye. Once light and images pass through the transparent lens of the eye and reach the retina, the light and images are transmitted into nerve signals and transported to the brain.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this definition of what a cataract is: “A cataract is when your eye's natural lens becomes cloudy.” It might sound simple or not even that serious, but the result of having a cataract (or two) can dramatically interfere with your life, causing poor vision and even blindness.
As individuals grow older, the proteins inside the eye lens painlessly clump together, clouding this typically clear lens.
Though most cases of cataracts are age-related, other types of cataracts do exist, including cataracts that are present from birth, cataracts occurring after surgery or injury, or radiation cataracts from overexposure to radiation from cancer treatments to X-rays. Here are the five main types of cataracts:
Though cataracts begin small, affecting only a small portion of the lens, time and age typically worsen cataracts, causing vision impairment over time. Even though experiencing cataracts is a painless process, the deterioration of vision can be both frustrating and frightening.
Researchers have discovered that lifestyle habits and certain behaviors can add to the risk of cataract disease, behaviors such as:
No matter how well we care for our eyes, the development of cataracts is often inevitable. However, with regular eye exams and attention to our vision health, cataracts can be detected early, allowing for proactive management and timely surgical treatment for the best possible outcome. If you notice any of the following eye symptoms, make an appointment with your VSP® network doctor as soon as possible. According to the National Eye Institute, here are eight of the most common symptoms of cataracts you should be aware of:
Cataracts might seem like something that “sometimes happens” when we get older. Or you might think that cataracts strike randomly. While the likelihood of developing cataracts does increase with age, it is not true that cataracts are inevitable for everyone or completely random. Cataracts can even develop when you are relatively young—for some people, that’s as early as their 40s.
Taking proactive steps can significantly impact the health and longevity of your vision and play a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing cataracts. Here are five steps you can take to keep your vision healthier for longer and reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
If you notice any of the above symptoms like cloudy vision, sensitivity to light, or yellowing eye lenses, it is recommended that you make an eye exam appointment with your eye doctor immediately. If cataracts are diagnosed, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist, or an eye specialist who performs cataract surgery. Here are five things you can do to prepare for your eye exam:
Even if you notice the signs of cataracts, there are steps you should take to protect your vision and stop the degeneration. The National Eye Institute is direct: "No matter what type of cataract you have, the treatment is always surgery.” The good news is the National Eye Institute says cataract surgery is moderately simple—it is one of the most common operations in the United States and has a very high success rate.
The important part is to act early. The longer cataracts are left untreated, the more difficult it can be to successfully remove the cataract and restore vision through surgery. Cataracts might seem to start slowly, but they are still one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.
Many people report improved vision within a few days of surgery, though complete healing and stabilization of vision can take a few weeks.
Recovery after cataract surgery is almost always at home, following your doctor’s instructions. There are a few guidelines you may be asked to follow, including eye drops that help with healing and protective eyewear for a short amount of time while you are sleeping. But within a relatively short amount of time, you’ll be back to all the things you love, from activities to seeing your favorite sights.
Care for your eyesight with vision insurance coverage from VSP. With annual plans starting as low as $13 per month, VSP Individual Vision Plans provide a WellVision Exam each year and access to a vast network of eye doctors you can trust. VSP vision enrollment is open year round, and you can choose a future effective date that works with your schedule. Sign up for a VSP individual Vision Plan online or learn more about eye insurance coverage today.
Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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