The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 2.2 billion people globally have distant or near vision impairment. About one billion of these cases result from preventable or untreated issues such as cataracts.
Cataracts are common among people above 40 years, and they often worsen with age. But how long does it take to go blind from cataracts?
Here, we answer this question by exploring the cataract progression timeline. We’ll also discuss the symptoms to watch out for and the treatment options available at Lexington eye care clinics.
What Are Cataracts and What Causes Them?
Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye lens, and the leading causes include:
- Aging
- UV radiation
- Eye injuries
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Medication
Eye proteins start to break down with age, which can then cause the lens to become cloudy. UV rays might also damage the proteins over time, leading them to clump together and form cataracts.
Eye trauma may lead to the development of cataracts, and sometimes, they may appear years after the initial incident. Genetics will also influence how the proteins in your lens degrade over time. If you have a parent or sibling with cataracts, you are more likely to develop them earlier than others.
People over 65 years old with diabetes are two times more likely to have eye cataracts, according to Medical News Today. They are more prone to the condition because high blood sugar levels often cause deposits to build up in the lens.
The chemicals in cigarette smoke cause oxidative damage, leading to the breakdown of lens proteins. As a result, smokers tend to develop cataracts earlier than non-smokers. Some medications, like steroids and the excessive use of alcohol, are also risk factors.
How Long Does It Take to Go Blind From Cataracts?
The timeline for cataract progression can vary significantly for each person based on the cause and lifestyle. In the early stages, you can improve your vision with glasses or brighter lighting, but without treatment, they will eventually impair your vision.
Cataracts progress through four stages, which are:
- Early stage
- Immature
- Mature
- Hypermature
In the early phase, cataracts cause blurry vision or difficulty seeing at night. You may notice increased glare from headlights while driving or a yellowing of your vision and increased light sensitivity.
During the immature stage, the cloudiness in the eye lens increases, making it harder to see clearly. Colors might start looking faded, and bright lights may cause more glare. You may also need brighter light to read or do close-up work.
When in the mature stage, cataracts will cause significant vision loss. Things might look blurry, and you may struggle to see at night and find it hard to do daily tasks like driving and reading.
Once cataracts progress to the hypermature stage, they become dense, and the lens hardens. Colors will appear very dull, and the cataract may also cause other issues, such as:
- Infections
- Pressure in your eye
- Inflammation
Hypermature cataracts may also cause sharp pain due to increased pressure, and failure to treat them might lead to lasting vision loss.
Common Cataract Symptoms
The signs of cataracts usually appear gradually, so it’s essential to be vigilant. Early detection may slow the progression and ensure you get treatment in time to preserve your sight.
Here are common cataract symptoms to look out for:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Light sensitivity
- Glare
- Double vision
As cataracts develop, they gradually change the way light enters your eye. Therefore, you might need a new prescription for your glasses or contacts to correct the issue.
If you typically update your glasses every few years and suddenly need stronger lenses after a few months, you should visit a Kentucky eye care center for a check-up.
Treatment Options for Cataracts
If you have cataracts, an optometrist in Lexington, KY, may recommend treatments like:
- Glasses
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Surgery
If the cataracts are in the early stages, a Versailles optometrist will suggest wearing stronger prescription glasses, using magnifying lenses, or adjusting lighting to make it easier to see clearly. They may also suggest some lifestyle changes, such as:
- Reducing screen time
- Adjusting lighting at home
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting alcohol and smoking
If cataracts interfere with your everyday life, an eye doctor in Cynthiana, KY, or specialists at a Versailles eye clinic may recommend surgery. During the process, they will replace the affected lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Depending on your needs, a Versailles optometrist may recommend one of the following:
- Monofocal IOLs
- Multifocal IOLs
- Toric IOLs
The specialist will also discuss the benefits and risks of each IOL so you can choose the most suitable one.
Eye Health Tips for Preventing Blindness From Cataracts
While you can’t entirely eliminate the risk of cataracts, you can take some steps to slow their development and maintain healthy vision. Here are some eye health tips to apply:
- Visit an ophthalmologist in Lexington, KY
- Wear sunglasses
- Quit smoking
- Manage diabetes
- Exercise regularly
Visiting an eye doctor in Lexington, KY, frequently is the best way to detect cataracts early and avoid vision loss. These specialists will track changes in your vision and suggest treatments before cataracts affect your everyday life.
Wearing sunglasses can prevent cataract development by protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar. It’s also vital to avoid smoking to lower the risk of cataracts and improve your overall health.
Physical activity will make you less prone to diabetes and high blood pressure, which are conditions commonly linked to cataracts. Combining a good routine with a healthy diet lowers the risk of cataracts and slows their progression.
Get Quality Eye Care at Kentucky Eye Institute
Cataracts often cause vision impairment, but they don’t have to lead to blindness. Recognize the symptoms and seek treatment early to preserve your sight and enjoy a high quality of life.
Now that you know the answer to ‘How long does it take to go blind from cataracts?’ you may be looking for an eye specialist.
Kentucky Eye Institute offers comprehensive family eye care in Versailles, Cynthiana, and Lexington, KY. Our modern cataract surgical procedure is simple and can help you restore your vision. Contact us for an appointment.