Causes of Cataracts

As we age, our eyes go through various changes, and one of the most common issues that develop is cataracts. Cataracts can significantly impact vision, leading to cloudy and blurred eyesight. Understanding the causes of cataracts and the available treatment options can help individuals take proactive steps to maintain their eye health. In this blog post, we will delve into the root causes of cataracts and shed light on the highly successful cataract surgery, offered at Hill Country Eye Center in Austin, to restore clear vision.

Age: The Culprit Behind Cloudy Vision

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to a buildup of protein. This clouding is a result of new cells forming on the outside of the lens, which then compact older cells into the center of the lens, causing it to lose its transparency. While age is the primary risk factor, there are other contributing factors that can lead to cataracts, such as:

Advancement in Age: As we grow older, the risk of developing cataracts increases.
Eye Injuries: Certain eye injuries can trigger the development of cataracts.
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of cataract formation.
Glaucoma/Retinal Disorders: Pre-existing eye conditions like glaucoma or retinal disorders can be linked to cataracts.
Ultraviolet Radiation: Prolonged exposure to UV rays without eye protection can contribute to cataract development.
Heredity: Cataracts can be hereditary, passing from one generation to another.
Metabolic Conditions: Specific metabolic conditions may also play a role in cataract formation.
Cigarette Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
Air Pollution: Prolonged exposure to air pollution may be associated with higher cataract risk.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to cataract development.
Certain Medications: Some medications, especially long-term use of oral steroids, can increase the likelihood of cataracts.

Cataract Treatment: Cataract Surgery

While vision can be adequately corrected with glasses or contacts for a period, there are currently no medical treatments to prevent or reverse cataract development. Once cataracts begin to affect daily life and compromise vision significantly, cataract surgery is the most effective option.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a highly successful and common procedure that restores clear vision. Performed on an outpatient basis, cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). More than 1.5 million cataract surgeries are conducted each year in the United States, with over 90% of patients experiencing improved vision following the procedure.

Cataracts are a prevalent age-related eye condition that can impact the quality of life significantly. Understanding the causes of cataracts empowers individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision. If cataracts affect daily life and hinder vision, cataract surgery offered at Hill Country Eye Center in Austin provides an effective solution to restore clear vision. With advanced surgical techniques and intraocular lens options, cataract surgery has proven to be highly successful in helping individuals regain visual clarity and enhance their overall well-being. To learn more about cataract treatment options and personalized care, schedule a consultation with our experienced team today. Embrace the world with clarity and confidence with the expertise of Hill Country Eye Center.

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Considering Eye Surgery in Austin? Key Questions to Ask First

By DPA Admin • January 19, 2026

Tired of fumbling for glasses every morning or squinting at Austin's road signs? Imagine soaking in sunset hikes at Barton Springs – spectacle-free! Hill Country Eye Centre's premium refractive eye surgery can make it happen. Our expert team tailors cutting-edge solutions to provide comprehensive eye care. We offer LASIK, glaucoma management, dry eye treatment, diabetic eye exams, and general ophthalmology services. Visit the clinic for any queries regarding your Austin eye surgery procedure. Before Austin eye surgery , you can ask about your concerns regarding recovery time, the surgery cost, post-surgery care, etc. Questions to Ask Before Your Austin Eye Surgery 1. Am I Fit for Eye Surgery, LASIK, RLE, or Cataract Surgery in Austin? You are thinking about whether you are a good fit! You can ask your ophthalmologist. Factors like corneal thickness, eye health, age, and conditions like dry eyes or thin corneas play a role. A comprehensive exam can determine your suitability. In case your ophthalmologist identifies any health issue or pre-existing eye condition, they will disqualify you for surgery. 2. Who will Perform My Eye Surgery? Visit The Hill Country Eye Centre and meet your surgeon! Look for fellowship-trained ophthalmologists with successful procedures. Experience matters, so ask about their track record. Our surgeons have a high success rate for restoring visibility and performing surgical operations effectively. At the Hill Country Eye Centre, we are proud to have some of the best surgeons in Texas. ● Dr Vincent A. Restivo, M.D. - The Board-certified ophthalmologist ● Nathan E. Osterman, O.D. - The Certified therapeutic optometrist and glaucoma specialist in Texas ● Dr Todd R. Shepler - Experienced in reconstructive and oculoplastic surgery ● Dr Chelsea Devitt - Optometric glaucoma and therapeutic optometry specialist in Austin 3. Do I have Other Health Conditions that Can Rule out Austin Eye Surgery or Affect Results? Yes. Definitely ask about conditions that might affect surgery. Some health issues can rule out Austin eye surgery or require treatment first. These include ● Autoimmune Diseases ● Diabetes ● Immunodeficiency States ● Eye Injuries ● Dry Eyes ● Eye Inflammation ● Corneal Scaring ● Glaucoma ● Cataracts ● Ocular Herpes ● Retinal Diseases 4. Is Eye Surgery, Cataract or LASIK Safe? What are the Risks? LASIK surgery is a quick and pain-free procedure that takes around 15 minutes for both eyes. You can see results within 24 hours! In fact, 99% of patients at Hill Country Eye Centre reported being satisfied with the results. Cataract surgery, while not 100% risk-free, is a highly effective and secure solution with incredible success rates. Now, let's talk about risks. Minor complications can include infection, bleeding, or dry eyes, but they're rare. Discuss personal risks with your doctor. 5. What Results Can I Realistically Expect? Ask your most desirable expectation, the magic number! When will you get a complete clear vision and return to regular life after Austin eye surgery ? Most patients enjoy improved, clear vision within a few days after surgery. At the same time, LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision, while cataract patients enjoy gradual improvement with premium IOLs. 6. What will the Procedure be like for Clear Vision? If your doctor suggests cataract surgery , ask your doctor: ● Which procedure suits your case? ● Will they use a laser in the procedure? ● How long will it last? ● Will you be awake during the entire eye surgery procedure? 7. How Long Does the Procedure and Recovery Take? It is tricky to answer the exact time. Usually, eye surgery such as LASIK... LASIK takes 15 minutes, while cataract surgery takes 30 minutes. Some patients begin to notice clear vision within a week. But some of them report complete restoration of eyesight within 1 month. Individual patients are different, so you all have different progress timelines after surgery. Recovery is quick, but you must follow appointments, doctor appointments at Hill Country Eye Centre, to take advice. 8. What Alternatives or Enhancements are Available? Explore your Austin eye surgery options! If LASIK isn't for you, consider Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), or Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK). Your surgeon can discuss tailored solutions. The PRK process takes a little longer to achieve the best vision. Our advanced professionals cater to the unique needs of every patient in the Boston area. At Hill Country Eye Centre, doctors will guide you through the selection process of your treatment. 9. What is the Total Price, Including Follow-Ups? Get the price breakdown! Costs vary by procedure and tech, but transparent pricing and insurance coverage can help. 10. What Post-Surgery Care and Follow-Ups Do You Provide? Expect regular check-ups, antibiotic drops, and protective eyewear. Our doctors guide you for post-surgery care. ● For 5-7 Days: Report better vision progressively ● Initial 2 Weeks: The doctor will guide you and prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Wear glasses and protective shields during the day and night. ● Preliminary 2 Months: For now, avoid scratching your eyes

Blurry Vision? 7 Common Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts Explained

By DPA Admin • January 16, 2026

What are the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Cataract?

Standard vs Premium Cataract Surgery in Austin, TX

November 20, 2025

Cataracts have a way of sneaking up on you. One day you are squinting at road signs on I-35, the next you are avoiding night driving because headlights feel too bright and everything looks hazy. Colors lose their crispness, small print becomes frustrating, and even updated glasses stop helping. When it is time for cataract surgery, many Austin patients quickly run into the next big question: should you choose standard cataract surgery or upgrade to premium cataract surgery? Both procedures remove the cloudy lens and repla ce it with a clear implant. The difference is what you want your vision to look like afterward. Standard cataract surgery is typically designed to restore clear vision at one primary distance. Premium cataract surgery uses advanced lens options and more customized planning to improve how you see across more parts of your day, often with the goal of reducing dependence on glasses. This guide explains the real differences, who each option is best for, and what to ask during your Austin cataract consultation so you can make a decision you feel good about.

$premium refractive eye surgery$