Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. You can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
ALREADY HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
DON'T HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
NEED MORE DETAILS?
MyHealth for Mobile
Get the iPhone MyHealth app »
Get the Android MyHealth app »
Cataract Causes
Cataract Causes
The cause of a cataract depends on its type:
- Age-related: The majority of cataracts develop as we grow older, with about 70% of us getting one by age 75. The lens constantly adds new layers over time, and the proteins that make up part of its structure can eventually become disorganized and less clear, like a dirty window. The resulting cloudiness often starts small, then becomes noticeable and more bothersome as it slowly grows. The cataract may also filter light differently, changing the tint of what we see.
- Congenital: Cataracts can occasionally develop in infants and older children. While the problem is usually inherited or tied to a birth defect, sometimes the cause is unknown.
- Related to surgery, disease or surgery: Previous eye surgeries can sometimes cause or accelerate cataracts, as can steroid medications, certain eye problems and some medical conditions like diabetes.
- Trauma: Eye injuries can cause cataracts, either right away or months or years later.