These glasses can help protect a person’s eyes from cataracts
People may develop this eye condition as they get older, which can lead to vision loss. Learn how certain eyewear — and other treatments — can help protect their vision.
As people age, they may develop an eye condition called cataracts. It happens when the normal proteins in the eyes’ lenses break down.1 (The lenses allow a person to focus on objects near and far.)
Cataracts can cause the eyes’ lenses to become cloudy. Early on, people may experience blurriness, haziness and sensitivity to light.1
Cataracts are quite common. About half of American adults over 80 either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them (more on that below). Over time, the condition can lead to vision loss.2
A person’s first line of defense against cataracts is getting their eyes checked regularly by an eye care provider. But they can also help protect their eyes from cataracts or from the condition getting worse with certain types of glasses or sunglasses.
Learn more about what causes cataracts, the types of eyewear people can use to protect their eyes from them, and how they’re treated.
A new pair of glasses or sunglasses can help protect your eyes from developing cataracts. Order them online today.
What causes cataracts?
The most common cause of cataracts is getting older. Cataracts can start developing after a person turns 40. But the clouding of the eyes may not happen until they’re over the age of 60.1
Other reasons a person may get cataracts include:1
- They have a certain health condition, like diabetes
- They have a family history of the condition
- They’re a smoker
- They’ve had an eye injury or a surgery or radiation treatment to their upper body
- They’ve spent a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses on
- They’ve used certain medications, which can lead to early development of cataracts
It’s important to know that cataracts develop over time. So it’s important to get regular eye exams to check for them.
What types of sunglasses and eyeglasses best protect the eyes from cataracts?
Because cataracts take time to form, that buys people some time in protecting their eyes. A great place to start is with the eyewear they choose. Two options can include:1,3
- Sunglasses
- Regular eyeglasses
Both can slow the advance or development of cataracts. Sunglasses can protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which is the best way to protect them from cataracts. Eyeglasses can also come with special coatings that can also help protect the eyes, too.2
Consider these types of sunglasses for the best cataract protection:3
- Sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection. A person will want to make sure the sunglasses provide 99% to 100% UV protection from UVA and UVB rays. They can also provide 100% protection from UV 400.
- Sunglasses with polarized lenses. Polarized lenses can help reduce the sun’s glare from surfaces like water, snow or the pavement. They’re especially good for people who live active lives and/or who drive.
- Sunglasses with wraparound frames. These frames help protect not just the front of a person’s eyes, but also their sides.
For glasses, a person might consider:3
- Glasses with photochromic lenses. When a person walks outside with these on, they darken by themselves. That helps protect the eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Some pairs may also be able to filter some blue light.
For information on these and other lenses, download this helpful guide.
The easiest way to stock up on contacts
Find dailies, monthlies, extended wear and more, from all the top brands.
What else can a person do to protect their eyes from cataracts?
Besides protecting their eyes from the sun, people can also do these things to protect their eyes from cataracts:2
- Choose foods that promote eye health. Adding fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and whole grains to a person’s diet can help.
- Protect their eyes from injury. Wear protective eyewear when using power tools or playing sports.
- Try quitting smoking. It’s not always easy to do this — but there is a lot of free support out there. For example, if a person’s ready to quit, they can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
If a person does get cataracts, how can they be treated?
Let’s say a person does everything in the above sections but still gets cataracts. Eye care providers might recommend the following 2 treatments: 4,5,6
Surgery. Cataract surgery is the only way to treat cataracts and the vision issues caused by them. During the procedure, an eye care provider will remove a person’s clouded lens. They’ll then replace it with an artificial one. That’s called an intraocular lens or IOL.
Some people may not need to wear prescription glasses (or even reading glasses) after getting the procedure. But 30% to 50% of people will still need to wear glasses after surgery.
Special eye drops. There are several eye drops in development to help treat cataracts. But none of them has been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration yet. There has been some promising new analysis published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology on them. But they’re still only a possible future type of treatment.
UnitedHealthcare Vision offers a huge selection of designer sunglasses with a range of special coatings — which are a great way to protect your eyes from cataracts. Browse your options today.
Sources:
- What are cataracts? American Academy of Ophthalmology, October 2024.
- Cataracts National Eye Institute, last updated December 2024.
- Best glasses and sunglasses for cataracts All About Vision, last reviewed July 2023.
- Will I need glasses after cataract surgery? All About Vision, last updated November 2024.
- New research analysis supports further testing of eye drops hoped to reverse cataracts University of Utah Health, August 2024.
- Medication and eye drops for cataracts All About Vision, Last Updated August 2023.
