I just found out I have a cataract in one eye. This scared me, as I have always been very careful concerning my eyes. I also thought I was too young for a cataract, being in my 40s but apparently it's common. The trouble is I ahve to wait until it's a lot bigger before they can operate. It drives me crazy because it causes a foggy like vision in my one eye and so it always feels like something is in my eye.
It used to be, when cataract surgery was more difficult and IOLs weren't implanted, doctors advised waiting until the cataract "ripened", or got really bad. That is no longer the case. Once it starts to significantly interfere with your vision, you can have it removed.
Greetings--I also have been told I have the early makings of cataracts. I'm 56. I'm not overjoyed about it, but like Torre says, get another opinion. With all the things they can do with laser nowdays, we shouldn't have to wait until they're "ripe" to "pick" them! So far, my vision is fair except for needing new glasses, it seems, every few months. I assume this is due to the embryonic stages of the cataracts.
I just found out I have a cataract in one eye. This scared me, as I have always been very careful concerning my eyes. I also thought I was too young for a cataract, being in my 40s but apparently it's common. The trouble is I ahve to wait until it's a lot bigger before they can operate. It drives me crazy because it causes a foggy like vision in my one eye and so it always feels like something is in my eye.
I had a cataract removed last February at the age of 34! I'd definitely get a second opinion as to when you can have it removed. Nowadays they use phacoemulsification which results in a much smaller incision, no stitches and a much shorter recovery time, and the cataract does not have to be ripe.
I relate to the foggy vision. It's especially bad at night when driving, or when looking toward bright lights. I have one in my other eye that I have to have out as well.
Technically, cataracts begin forming the day we are born. On average the lenses of a 5 year old are a little more milky than an infant; an 18 year old's more milky than a 5 year old's, etc. Typically, by the mid- to late- 40s individuals are noticing the effects of the clouding. It is more frustrating to drive at night--can't see into the dark as well and headlights/streetlights have a greater glare.
This clouding of the lens can be exacerbated (made worse) in situations of disease (diabetics will develop cataracts statistically sooner than non-diabetics), medications (some will respond to steroids such as prednisone, cortisone by developing a type of cataract called a posterior subcapsular cataract), environment (residents at high altitudes or individuals working outdoors alot--especially around highly reflective surfaces such as snow/water) or genetics (early development of cataracts in close family members).
You will note that there are a number of the above factors that we have little control over (if you find the solution to aging, I want in on the ground floor--we'll be bazillionaires!!! ) -- however, protecting one's eyes in the out-of-doors is one thing that is do-able
While it can be very frustrating, most surgeons are limited by the insurance carriers from performing cataract surgery too soon. Usually the vision needs to be 20/40 or worse before the insurance company will authorize the surgery. Often, if the surgeon can demonstrate that the acuity diminishes with glare (ask about "glare acuity testing")--the companies will authorize the surgery.
I'm 50 yrs. old. I had radial keratotomy surgery 12 years ago. Recently I was told I have a mild cataract formation. Have any radial keratotomy patients received successful cataract surgery with good distant vision results?
Cataracts 
) -- however, protecting one's eyes in the out-of-doors is one thing that is do-able 
