• Growing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and lifestyle-related health conditions is contributing to earlier onset of cataracts, prompting calls for greater awareness and regular eye examinations.

Bengaluru: Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness, have long been considered a condition associated with ageing, typically affecting people in their 60s and beyond. However, ophthalmologists are now reporting a noticeable rise in cataract diagnoses among younger adults, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, and in some cases even younger, being diagnosed with cataracts much earlier than expected.

The trend comes at a time when India is witnessing an unprecedented rise in diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other metabolic disorders among younger populations. Eye specialists say these conditions are increasingly contributing to the earlier onset of cataracts, a leading cause of avoidable blindness in the country.

Supporting these observations, a 2021 study published in Cureus found that cataracts in younger adults are often linked to underlying health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, chronic inflammation, prolonged steroid use, metabolic disorders, trauma, and certain inherited conditions. The study identified poor glycaemic control as a significant risk factor for early cataract development.

Commenting on the trend, Dr. Supriya Sriganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, said, “Over the past two to three years, we have seen a noticeable increase in cataract cases among people in their 40s and 50s. A significant proportion of these patients have conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, while others have a history of prolonged steroid use, including during post-COVID treatment. These factors appear to be accelerating changes in the eye’s natural lens, resulting in cataracts being detected earlier than traditionally expected.”

Specialists are also exploring the impact of changing lifestyles and environmental exposures on eye health. Sedentary routines, poor nutrition, chronic stress, increasing reliance on processed foods, and exposure to pollutants are among the factors being studied for their potential role in the earlier development of age-related eye conditions.

“A common misconception is that cataracts affect only older adults, which often leads people to overlook symptoms such as blurred vision, increased glare, difficulty seeing at night, or frequent changes in spectacle power. When cataracts develop at a younger age, they may also serve as an indicator of underlying health issues that warrant further medical evaluation. Recognising these signs early and seeking timely care is important, as modern cataract treatment is highly effective and can help restore vision while preventing unnecessary visual impairment,” said Dr Sushmitha Sriganesh, Chief Medical Officer, Shraddha  Eye Care Trust.

“Cataracts diagnosed at a younger age should not be dismissed as an inevitable part of ageing. In some cases, they may signal broader health concerns, making timely medical evaluation important not only for preserving vision but also for identifying and addressing underlying risk factors,” Dr. Supriya Sriganesh added.

As Cataract Awareness Month draws attention to one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, ophthalmologists are urging people to pay attention to changes in their vision and seek professional advice when symptoms arise. With more individuals being diagnosed at a younger age, greater awareness, routine eye examinations, and timely treatment will be key to reducing avoidable vision loss and improving long-term eye health outcomes.