What Are Cataracts
Cataracts can gradually make everyday activities more difficult by causing blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. At Cali Eye Institute, we provide comprehensive cataract evaluations using advanced diagnostic technology to determine the cause of your vision changes and discuss your treatment options.
Serving patients throughout Torrance, Lancaster, Ventura, and surrounding Southern California communities.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract develops when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy over time. The lens, which is normally clear, plays an essential role in focusing light onto the retina so you can see sharp, detailed images. When it becomes cloudy, light is scattered instead of properly focused, leading to blurred, dim, or distorted vision.
Cataracts most commonly occur as part of the natural aging process. As we age, the proteins within the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing gradual clouding. They may also develop due to certain medical conditions such as diabetes, long-term use of steroid medications, previous eye injuries, excessive sun exposure, or genetic factors.
In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and manageable with updated glasses or brighter lighting. However, as the cataract progresses, vision typically continues to decline. Colors may appear faded, night driving may become more difficult, and everyday activities such as reading or recognizing faces can feel increasingly challenging.
Cataracts cannot be reversed with glasses, eye drops, or medication. The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the cloudy lens, which is replaced with a clear artificial lens to restore vision safely and reliably.
Warning Signs of Cataracts
Because cataracts often develop slowly, many people may not notice symptoms immediately. As the condition progresses, vision changes become more apparent.
Common eye cataract symptoms include:
Blurry or cloudy vision
Vision may seem foggy, hazy, or out of focus, making everyday tasks more challenging.
Difficulty driving at night
Reduced contrast and increased glare can make nighttime driving more difficult and less comfortable.
Faded or yellowed colors
Colors may appear dull, less vibrant, or have a yellowish tint.
Double vision in one eye
Some people experience overlapping or ghosted images when looking through one eye.
Difficulty Reading Fine Print
Small text may become harder to read, even with glasses or brighter lighting.
Increased Light Sensitivity
Bright sunlight, indoor lighting, or oncoming headlights may feel uncomfortably intense.
Glare and Halos Around Lights
You may notice rings, streaks, or glare around lights, especially at night.
Needing Brighter Lighting
Activities such as reading, cooking, or sewing may require more light than before.
Vision changes should never be ignored. The experienced eye care team at Cali Eye Institute, Lancaster Eye Institute, and Anacapa Vision can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to help restore clear vision.
Causes of Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina. This clouding develops when proteins within the lens begin to break down and clump together over time. Although aging is the most common cause, several other conditions and factors can contribute to cataract formation.
Common causes of cataracts include:
- Aging – Natural age-related changes in the lens are the leading cause of cataracts.
- Diabetes – High blood sugar levels can accelerate changes within the lens and increase the likelihood of cataract development.
- Eye Injury or Trauma – Damage to the eye can cause a cataract to form immediately or years after the injury.
- Long-Term Steroid Use – Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications may contribute to the development of cataracts.
- Previous Eye Surgery – Certain eye procedures can increase the risk of cataracts developing later.
- Excessive UV Exposure – Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight may damage the lens.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use – These habits can promote oxidative stress that affects the clarity of the lens.
- Genetic Factors – Some people inherit a higher likelihood of developing cataracts or may be born with congenital cataracts.
Because cataracts usually develop gradually, many people may not notice symptoms right away. Regular eye examinations can help detect cataracts early and monitor changes in vision over time.
Risk Factors for Cataracts
While cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people, certain health conditions, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposures can increase the likelihood of developing them. Understanding these risk factors may help you take steps to protect your long-term vision and prioritize routine eye exams.
Age Over 60
The risk of cataracts increases with age as the eye’s natural lens gradually becomes less clear over time.
Family History
Having close relatives with cataracts may increase your chances of developing the condition yourself.
Diabetes
High blood sugar levels can accelerate changes within the lens and contribute to cataract formation.
High Blood Pressure
Poor vascular health may affect the eye and increase the risk of age-related vision changes.
Smoking
Tobacco use increases oxidative stress in the eye, which can speed up lens clouding.
Excessive UV Exposure
Long-term exposure to sunlight without proper eye protection may damage the natural lens.
Obesity
Certain metabolic changes associated with obesity may contribute to a higher cataract risk.
Needing Brighter Lighting
Extended use of corticosteroid medications has been linked to an increased likelihood of cataracts.
Cataracts by the Numbers
More than 24 million Americans over the age of 40 are affected by cataracts, making it one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults. As the population continues to age, that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.
The good news is that cataracts can be diagnosed early and treated effectively. Routine eye exams allow ophthalmologists to detect cataracts before they begin interfering with daily activities, helping patients maintain their independence and quality of life.
If cataracts are affecting your vision, schedule an evaluation with the specialists at Cali Eye Institute in Torrance, Lancaster Eye Institute in Lancaster, or Anacapa Vision in Ventura.
Diagnosis of Cataracts
Diagnosing cataracts begins with a comprehensive eye examination. During your visit, your ophthalmologist will evaluate your vision and examine the structures of your eyes to determine whether cataracts are present.
Visual Acuity Testing
Measures how clearly you can see letters and objects at various distances.
Dilated Eye Examination
Special eye drops are used to widen the pupils, allowing your doctor to examine the lens and retina in greater detail.
Slit-Lamp Examination
A specialized microscope provides a highly detailed view of the eye’s structures, including the lens where cataracts develop.
Retinal Evaluation
The health of the retina and optic nerve is assessed to rule out other causes of vision loss.
Potential Complications of Cataracts
Without treatment, cataracts generally continue to worsen over time. Progressive lens clouding can significantly affect vision and daily functioning.
Potential complications may include:
- Progressive vision loss
- Difficulty driving safely
- Increased risk of falls and injuries
- Reduced independence
- Trouble reading and performing close-up tasks
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Impaired night vision
- Significant reduction in quality of life
Because cataracts develop gradually, many patients adapt to worsening vision without realizing how much their eyesight has changed. Regular eye examinations can help identify progression before it becomes severe.
Treatment Options for Cataracts
The most effective treatment for cataracts depends on the severity of symptoms and how much the condition is affecting your daily activities.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is one of the most commonly performed and successful surgical procedures in the United States.
Laser Cataract Surgery
Laser-assisted cataract surgery utilizes advanced laser technology to perform key portions of the procedure with enhanced precision and customization.
Premium Lens Surgery
Premium intraocular lenses can correct cataracts while also reducing dependence on glasses for certain activities such as reading, computer use, or distance vision.
Office Information
Cali Eye Institute, Torrance, CA
19000 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90503
Tel: 310-909-8880
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Lancaster Eye Institute, Lancaster, CA
1739 W Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
Tel: (661) 940-0555
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Anacapa Vision, Ventura, CA
1280 S. Victoria Ave., Ste. 160
Ventura, CA 93003-6504
Tel: (805) 658-3937
Office Hours
Mondays and Fridays: 8am-3pm
Tuesdays - Thursday: 8am-4pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cataract eye problem?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that causes blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. Cataracts commonly develop as part of the natural aging process.
What are the first signs of cataracts?
Early signs often include blurry vision, increased glare from lights, difficulty seeing at night, and changes in color perception.
What are the three types of cataracts?
The main types of cataracts include:
- Nuclear Cataracts – Form in the center of the lens and affect distance vision.
- Cortical Cataracts – Affect the edges of the lens and can cause glare.
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts – Form at the back of the lens and often interfere with reading and bright light vision.
What causes cataracts to develop?
The most common cause is age-related changes in the lens. Other causes include diabetes, eye injuries, steroid use, smoking, and excessive UV exposure.
Are cataracts painful?
No. Cataracts typically develop without causing pain or discomfort. Most patients notice gradual vision changes rather than physical symptoms.
Can cataracts cause blindness?
If left untreated, advanced cataracts can cause severe vision impairment and functional blindness. Fortunately, cataracts are highly treatable with modern surgical techniques.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination using visual acuity testing, dilation, and specialized imaging of the eye.
What is the best treatment for cataracts?
The only permanent treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, which removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens.
When should I see an eye doctor about cataracts?
You should schedule an eye examination whenever vision changes begin affecting reading, driving, work, hobbies, or other daily activities.
We Are Members of:
