Probability of Developing Cataracts
50% by age 75
Lifetime probability in US
About 50% of Americans develop cataracts by age 75, making cataract surgery the most commonly performed surgery in the US.
Cataracts affect approximately 24.4 million Americans over age 40 (about 20.5%), and by age 75, approximately 50% of people have cataracts. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States, with about 4 million procedures per year.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, causing blurred vision, glare sensitivity, reduced color vibrancy, and difficulty seeing at night. The primary risk factor is aging, as proteins in the lens naturally break down over time. Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, excessive UV exposure, prolonged corticosteroid use, eye injury, previous eye surgery, heavy alcohol use, and family history.
Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures, with a success rate exceeding 98%. The procedure involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), typically taking about 15-30 minutes under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Premium IOL options (multifocal, toric for astigmatism) can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. Prevention strategies include wearing UV-protective sunglasses, not smoking, managing diabetes, and eating a diet rich in antioxidants.
Use This in a Decision
Plug this probability into our expected value calculator to make a data-driven decision.
Start a Decision