Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. 

Other things that raise your risk include:

• Diabetes
• Drinking alcohol
• Too much time in the sun
• Smoking
• Not getting enough vitamins
• Long-term use of steroids
• Eye injury or eye surgery
• A family history of cataracts
   

Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers