Are You at Risk for Cataracts? Seven Lifestyle and Health Factors to Know

Noticing cloudy vision or halos around lights when you drive at night can be alarming. These are common cataract symptoms that affect millions of people each year. While aging is the primary cause, several lifestyle and health factors increase your likelihood of developing this condition. Understanding these cataract risk factors can help you take preventive steps and know when to seek treatment.

At Retina Associates of St. Louis, we help patients maintain healthy eyes through education and comprehensive care in St. Louis, MO. Schedule a consultation today to assess your risk and discuss your options.

Common cataract symptoms

Before exploring your risk factors, it's important to recognize the signs of cataracts. Common cataract symptoms include cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, halos around lights, faded colors, and increased sensitivity to glare. If you're experiencing any of these, schedule an eye exam right away to determine the underlying cause. Our team at Retina Associates of St. Louis can create a custom treatment plan.

Seven key cataract risk factors

While cataracts are common, certain factors make them more likely to develop. Being aware of these cataract risk factors can help you take preventive action:

Age: Most cataracts develop in people over 60, though they can occur earlier.
Smoking: Smoking significantly increases your risk of cataracts. This is because tobacco damages the proteins in the lens and accelerates clouding. Quitting at any age benefits your vision and overall health.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels cause changes in the lens that lead to cataract formation. Managing diabetes can help protect eyes.
Excessive sun exposure: UV rays can damage the lens over time. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection whenever you're outdoors reduces this risk, especially during peak sun hours.
Prolonged corticosteroid use: This includes oral, inhaled, or topical steroid medications. If you require steroids for a chronic condition, discuss alternatives or protective measures with your healthcare provider.
Eye injuries or inflammation: Previous trauma or chronic inflammation can trigger cataract development, sometimes years after the initial injury. Protecting your eyes during sports and work activities is essential.
Family history: If a close relative has developed cataracts, especially at a younger age, you may be at higher risk. Share this information with your provider at Retina Associates of St. Louis during your exam.

Protecting healthy eyes

While you can't control factors like age or genetics, lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:

Quit smoking or avoid starting
Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
Manage chronic conditions like diabetes
Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, including leafy greens and colorful fruits
Limit alcohol consumption
Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams

These habits support your eye health and may delay or prevent cataract formation in St. Louis, MO.

When to seek evaluation

If you notice cataract symptoms like halos around lights or cloudy vision, don't wait. An eye exam can determine whether cataracts are developing and how quickly they're progressing. At Retina Associates of St. Louis, our team provides thorough evaluations and discusses treatment options when appropriate.

Even without symptoms, adults should have regular eye exams based on their age and risk factors. Catching problems early gives you more options for managing your condition.

Take control of your vision health

At Retina Associates of St. Louis in St. Louis, MO, we're committed to helping patients maintain healthy eyes through prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment. Whether you're experiencing cataract symptoms or want to assess your risk, our team is here to provide expertise and care. Call now to schedule an examination and take proactive steps today.