How Cataracts Form—and What You Can Do About It

June is Cataract Awareness Month—an important reminder that blurred or hazy vision doesn’t have to be accepted as “just getting older.” Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision changes in adults, and while they’re related to aging, you can take steps now to protect your sight.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of your eye’s natural lens—the part of the eye that focuses light so you can see clearly. Over time, proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing it to appear yellow or cloudy. This process happens gradually, and many people don’t realize they have cataracts until vision becomes noticeably impaired. Common symptoms of cataracts include:
 

• Blurry or hazy vision

• Glare and halos around lights

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Colors appearing dull or yellowed

• Frequent changes in your glasses prescription

Why Cataracts Become More Common With Age

As we age, the lens naturally becomes less flexible and more prone to protein clumping. The result is a gradual clouding that can affect one or both eyes. By the time we reach our 60s or 70s, most people have some degree of cataract—even if it hasn’t affected vision dramatically yet.

How Diabetes Speeds Up Cataract Development

Elevated blood sugar damages the lens fibers and increases oxidative stress in the eye. People with diabetes often develop cataracts at a younger age and experience faster progression.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar and scheduling regular eye exams is crucial if you’re managing diabetes.

Sunlight, UV Exposure, and Cataracts

UV rays from sunlight accelerate cataract formation by breaking down proteins in the eye’s lens. The best protection? High-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

At Diplopia, we carry premium sunglasses that combine style, clarity, and complete UV protection—many are also available with your prescription.

Can Cataracts Be Treated?

Yes. Cataract surgery is a quick, low-risk procedure that replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. It’s one of the most successful surgeries performed today.

If you’re starting to notice changes in your vision, we’ll monitor the cataracts and guide you through your treatment options at every step. Updated glasses can often improve vision significantly in the early stages.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean your vision has to suffer. Regular exams, UV protection, and early intervention can preserve clarity and keep your eyes feeling fresh.

Book your comprehensive eye exam at Diplopia today and take the first step toward clearer, brighter vision.