How long do cataracts take to develop?

Cataracts don’t appear overnight. They develop gradually—and often go unnoticed at first. But how long does it actually take for cataracts to form? And how do you know when it’s time to treat them?

In this blog, we’ll explore the timeline of cataract development, the stages to watch for, and when to consider surgery.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This lens, which sits just behind your pupil, is normally clear. As it ages, proteins within the lens begin to clump together and scatter light, making vision blurry, dull, or hazy.

How long does it take for cataracts to develop?

The answer depends on the type of cataract and your personal health.

For most people, age-related cataracts begin forming in their 50s or 60s. But symptoms may not become noticeable until later.

On average, it can take 5 to 15 years for cataracts to progress from early cloudiness to the point where surgery becomes necessary.

Some factors can speed up the process:

• Diabetes
• Long-term steroid use
• Smoking
• Excessive sun exposure
• Eye injuries or surgery

Stages of cataract development

1. Early (Mild) Cataracts

• Minor lens clouding
• No noticeable symptoms or very subtle changes (slight blur, needing more light)
• Often picked up during routine eye exams

2. Moderate Cataracts

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Glare or halos at night (especially from headlights)
• Faded colours

This is when many people start feeling frustrated with their vision.

3. Advanced Cataracts

• Significant visual impairment
• Difficulty reading, driving, or recognising faces
• Often unable to pass a vision test for driving

At this stage, surgery is usually recommended.

Do cataracts always get worse?

Yes—cataracts are progressive. They don’t reverse or stay the same. The only effective treatment is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens (an intraocular lens or IOL).

Can you delay cataracts from getting worse?

You can’t stop cataracts entirely, but you may slow their progression by:

• Wearing sunglasses that block UV light
• Eating a diet rich in antioxidants (vitamin C, E, and leafy greens)
• Not smoking
• Managing diabetes
• Attending regular eye exams

These habits keep your eyes healthier for longer.

When should you consider cataract surgery?

You don’t need to rush into surgery as soon as a cataract is diagnosed. But you should consider it when:

• Vision affects daily tasks (reading, driving, hobbies)
• Glasses no longer improve clarity
• Your quality of life is affected.

At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic, we help you decide the right time based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and eye health.

How fast do cataracts grow once diagnosed?

This varies from person to person. Some people notice slow changes over a decade. Others may need surgery within 2–3 years, especially if other risk factors are present.

Regular eye exams help track the progression so you can act at the right time.

Are there different types of cataracts?

Yes. The speed of development can depend on the type:

• Nuclear cataracts (most common) develop slowly and affect distance vision first.
• Cortical cataracts can cause glare and light sensitivity early on.
• Posterior subcapsular cataracts often progress quickly and affect near vision more than distance.

Is it better to wait until cataracts are “ripe”?

No. That’s an outdated idea. Modern surgery is safest and most effective when cataracts are removed before they become very advanced.

Waiting too long can make surgery more complex and recovery slower.

Final thoughts

Cataracts take years to develop, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the signs. If your vision is starting to affect your life, it might be time to consider your options.

Surgery is safe, effective, and—when you choose a premium lens—can even reduce your dependence on glasses.

Wondering if the time is right? Start with our free self-test to find out.