Are You at Risk for Cataracts?

Among the many conditions that can affect your vision as you age, cataracts are the most common. Sadly, many people don't realize they're at risk until their vision has already started to cloud over.

Now is a great time to learn more about protecting your eyes from cataracts.

What Is a Cataract, Exactly?

A cataract forms when the lens of the eye (which sits behind the pupil) becomes cloudy. Think of it like a foggy window. Light can't pass through clearly, so your vision becomes blurry, dim, or hazy. Colours may look washed out, night driving becomes difficult, and you might notice halos around lights.

Cataracts develop slowly, often over many years, which is why they tend to sneak up on people. The only way to permanently restore vision once a cataract is fully formed is through surgery. But prevention and early detection can delay or reduce the impact significantly.

Who Is at Risk of Cataracts?

Cataracts don't discriminate, but certain factors make them more likely to develop sooner or more severely. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include:

• Age. This is the biggest factor of all. Most people over age 60 will have at least the beginning of a cataract. By age 80, more than half of people either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery.
• Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Spending years in the sun without proper eye protection exposes your lens to harmful UV-B radiation. People who work outdoors or live in sunny climates are particularly vulnerable.
• Smoking. Cigarettes contain harmful "free radicals" that, along with other toxins in cigarettes, damage the lens over time.
• Diabetes. High blood sugar causes chemical changes in the lens, leading to a "diabetic cataract."
• Long-time use of corticosteroids. If you use oral, inhaled, or even topical steroids regularly, it's worth discussing eye health with the doctor who prescribed them.
• Eye injuries or previous eye surgery. These trigger what's called a traumatic cataract, sometimes years after the injury.
• Family history. If cataracts run in your family, you may be genetically predisposed to developing them.

What You Can Do To Protect Your Eyes

Here are some healthy choices you can make to reduce your risk or slow the progression of cataracts.

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses every time you're outside. Look for sunglasses labelled "100% UV protection" or "UV400." This is one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term eye health. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat adds an extra layer of defence.
• Protect your eyes from injury. Always wear protective glasses when using power tools.
• Quit smoking, and don't start. The sooner you stop, the better.
• Manage chronic conditions carefully. If you have diabetes, work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar under control. Managing high blood pressure and maintaining a healthy weight also support overall eye health.
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants. Vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that may help prevent cataracts. These are found in leafy greens, colourful fruits and vegetables, eggs, and nuts. They help prevent lens clouding.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking has been associated with higher cataract risk. Moderate intake or abstaining is better for your eyes.
• Get regular eye exams. Many eye conditions, including cataracts, develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. A comprehensive dilated eye exam—not just a vision screening—allows your eye doctor to detect changes before they significantly impact your quality of life. In general, adults over age 60 should have an exam every one to two years, and those with diabetes or other risk factors may need them more often.

Cataract Surgery Coverage in Canada

In Canada, medically necessary cataract surgery is covered by provincial and territorial health plans. In Manitoba, Manitoba Health covers cataract surgery — including a standard intraocular lens — for residents with a valid health card. Premium lens upgrades, such as multifocal or toric lenses that also correct astigmatism or reduce the need for glasses, are generally not covered and come with an out-of-pocket cost. Wait times can vary, so it's a good idea to talk with your eye doctor about referral timelines and the options available to you.

Cataracts may be a normal part of aging for many people, but "normal" doesn't mean inevitable. If you've been putting off an eye exam, make an appointment with your eye doctor today. Your future self will thank you.