Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions associated with ageing and the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide. As we age, many of us begin to notice changes in vision—blurriness, faded colours, and trouble seeing at night. But can these symptoms really lead to blindness? And if so, how long does it take to go blind from cataracts?
At Vision Clinic Sydney, we see hundreds of patients each year with varying stages of cataracts. While cataracts progress slowly, without timely management, they can severely impact quality of life and, in extreme cases, lead to significant vision loss or legal blindness.
The good news is that vision loss caused by cataracts is typically reversible with surgery. This article explores what cataracts are, how they progress, and how to prevent them from getting worse.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is located behind the iris and pupil. This lens helps focus light onto the retina for clear vision. Over time, proteins in the lens begin to clump together, forming a cloudy area that makes it harder to see clearly.
This cloudiness can range from mild (slightly blurry vision) to severe (almost total vision obstruction), depending on how much of the lens is affected.
What Age Do You Get Cataracts?
Cataracts usually develop with age, most commonly in adults over 60. However, early cataracts can appear in your 40s or 50s—especially if you have risk factors such as:
- Diabetes
- Excessive sun exposure
- Smoking
- A family history of cataracts
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Previous eye trauma or surgery
At Vision Clinic Sydney, we recommend regular eye checks to catch early signs of cataract development.
Can Cataracts Cause Blindness?
Yes, cataracts can lead to blindness, but the process is usually slow and progressive, often taking several years to reach an advanced stage. Cataracts begin with a gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can go unnoticed for some time.
As the cloudiness worsens, it starts to block and scatter light entering the eye, causing increasingly blurred, dim, or distorted vision. Glare sensitivity, particularly in bright sunlight or while driving at night, often becomes more noticeable.
Over time — typically over the course of 5 to 15 years, depending on individual factors like age, general health, and lifestyle — cataracts can severely impact daily life. You may find it harder to read, recognise faces, watch television, or navigate safely, especially in low-light settings. Many people delay treatment, not realising how much their vision has declined.
If left untreated, cataracts can eventually progress to the point of legal blindness, where central and peripheral vision are significantly reduced. However, this vision loss is not permanent. Cataract surgery, a safe and highly effective procedure that replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, can restore clear, functional sight in the vast majority of cases.
How Long Do Cataracts Take to Develop?
Cataracts develop at different rates depending on individual factors. For some, the process can take 10–15 years from early formation to severely impaired vision. Others, particularly those with diabetes or trauma-related cataracts, may experience rapid progression over just a few years.
At Vision Clinic Sydney, we use diagnostic imaging and visual acuity tests to monitor the speed of progression and help patients decide the optimal time for surgery.
How to Prevent Cataracts from Getting Worse
While cataracts can’t always be prevented, there are ways to slow their development and preserve your vision:
- Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Eat a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet (leafy greens, berries, citrus, fish)
- Manage diabetes and other chronic conditions
- Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake
- Attend regular eye exams for early detection and monitoring
Vision Clinic Sydney provides ongoing support and customised care plans to help reduce your risk of vision loss.
When Is Cataract Surgery Needed?
Cataract surgery is recommended when your vision loss starts to interfere with everyday tasks — such as driving at night, reading fine print, recognising faces, or navigating in low-light conditions. Blurry, dim, or hazy vision caused by cataracts can significantly impact your independence and safety. When glasses or lifestyle adjustments no longer help, surgery is usually the next step.
Cataract surgery is a safe, quick, and highly effective outpatient procedure, typically lasting 15–30 minutes per eye, with minimal downtime. During the procedure, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore sharp, vibrant vision.
How To Book an Assessment
To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:
Call or message us: +612 9222 9188
Email us: reception@visionclinicsydney.com.au
Book online via our website
FAQs
What age do you usually get cataracts?
Cataracts most commonly begin to form after the age of 60, but early signs may appear in your 40s or 50s. Age-related changes in the eye’s natural lens can be gradual and symptom-free at first, which is why regular eye exams are essential. At Vision Clinic Sydney, we can detect early cataract changes before they start to affect your vision.
Can cataracts cause blindness if untreated?
Yes, cataracts can eventually cause severe vision impairment or legal blindness if left untreated for many years. Vision becomes progressively clouded as the lens becomes more opaque. Fortunately, cataract-related blindness is fully reversible with cataract surgery.
How long do cataracts take to develop?
The speed at which cataracts develop varies. In many cases, cataracts take 10–15 years to significantly impact vision, but in others — such as those caused by trauma, diabetes, or medication — they may progress more rapidly.
How to prevent cataracts from getting worse?
While cataracts can’t always be prevented, you can slow their progression with a few lifestyle changes. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses, eat a diet rich in antioxidants, avoid smoking, manage chronic conditions like diabetes, and keep up with regular eye exams. These steps help preserve lens health and detect changes early.
How do I know when to have cataract surgery?
If you find yourself struggling to read, drive, or carry out daily tasks because of blurry or cloudy vision, it may be time for surgery. Cataract surgery is highly effective, and at Vision Clinic Sydney, our team will guide you through every step — from initial assessment to post-op recovery — to ensure the best outcome for your lifestyle and goals.
Are cataracts painful?
Cataracts do not typically cause pain. Instead, they result in gradual vision changes, such as increased glare, reduced night vision, or faded colours. If you experience eye pain along with these symptoms, it may point to another eye condition and should be assessed promptly.
Can young people get cataracts?
Yes, while cataracts are mostly age-related, younger individuals can develop them due to genetics, trauma, medications (like steroids), or health conditions such as diabetes. This is known as secondary or early-onset cataracts.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
