Can You Get Cataracts in Your Twenties?

Cataracts are a common eye condition that typically affects older adults and can cause numerous bothersome symptoms, including blurry vision. However, like many eye conditions, cataracts can develop earlier in life due to various factors.

Keep reading to learn more about cataracts, including whether or not you can get cataracts in your twenties!

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts develop when proteins inside the natural lens of your eye begin to break down and clump together, causing a clouding that leads to a gradual loss of vision. The lens, responsible for focusing light onto the retina, becomes opaque and blocks light from reaching the back of your eye.

Cataracts can cause blurred or distorted vision, difficulty with night vision, and increased sensitivity to glare. Cataracts are extremely common, and everyone will eventually develop them if they live long enough.

In most cases, cataracts develop slowly, gradually affecting your vision more and more.

What Causes Cataracts?

The most common cause of cataracts is the natural aging process. Like other parts of your body, the eyes go through changes as you age.

Over time, the proteins in the lens start to clump together, leading to the clouding effect. However, other factors can accelerate cataract development, including:

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun can contribute to the development of cataracts. Make sure to wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can affect the lens and increase the risk of cataracts. The best way to avoid early cataracts due to this health condition is to make sure to keep your blood sugar levels controlled.

Smoking

Smoking has been linked to a higher likelihood of cataract formation and can affect your body in more ways than one.

Genetics

A family history of cataracts might increase your chances of developing cataracts earlier in life.

Trauma

Although rare, eye injury and surgery can trigger the onset of cataracts.

Is It Possible to Get Cataracts in Your Twenties?

Cataracts primarily affect older adults, and it’s relatively uncommon for individuals in their twenties to develop them. However, it is possible.

There have been cases of cataracts occurring in certain people in their twenties or thirties due to certain underlying health conditions or genetic predispositions. 

Can You Get Cataract Surgery in Your Twenties?

When you are first diagnosed with cataracts, regardless of your age, your eye doctor may not recommend cataract surgery right away. In most cases, eye doctors recommend cataract surgery once the symptoms have begun to significantly interfere with your everyday life and activities.

Since cataracts typically develop slowly, this may not be right away. In rare instances where cataracts develop in young adults in their twenties or thirties and significantly affect their vision, cataract surgery may be recommended.

However, the decision to undergo cataract surgery in your twenties would depend on factors like the severity of the cataract, the impact on vision, and your overall health. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of cataracts, it’s essential to visit your eye doctor at Mid Ohio Eye for an evaluation.

Your eye doctor can help determine what is causing your vision changes and make a treatment plan from there.

Are you experiencing vision changes? Schedule an appointment at Mid Ohio Eye in Columbus, OH, today!