Cataracts in Grand Rapids, MI

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting older adults in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. With our aging population and year-round outdoor activities on the Grand River and nearby lakes, understanding cataracts—and how to prevent and treat them—is especially important for residents of Grand Rapids, MI.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is normally clear. The lens sits behind the colored part of your eye (the iris) and helps focus light so you can see clearly. When a cataract forms, vision becomes cloudy, blurred, or dim, similar to looking through a foggy window.

Cataracts usually develop slowly over many years and are most common in older adults, but they can occur earlier in people with certain risk factors.

How Common Are Cataracts in Older Adults?

Cataracts are strongly associated with aging. If people live long enough, almost everyone will develop some degree of cataract. By age 70, most adults have at least mild cataract changes, even if they don’t yet notice major vision problems.

In the United States, hundreds of thousands of cataract surgeries are performed every year, and West Michigan is no exception. Major eye care centers in Grand Rapids—often affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health—regularly perform cataract evaluations and surgery.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts typically develop gradually. You may notice changes in your vision such as:

  • Blurred or cloudy vision
  • Fading or “yellowing” of colors
  • Increased sensitivity to light and glare (for example, from headlights while driving at night)
  • Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
  • Halos around lights
  • Needing brighter light for reading or detailed work
  • Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice that night driving on I-196, US-131, or local roads is becoming more difficult due to glare, or colors look dull, it may be time for an eye exam.

Causes and Risk Factors for Cataracts

Most cataracts are age-related, but several factors can increase your risk:

  • Age 60 and older
  • Long-term unprotected exposure to UV sunlight
    • This is especially relevant in Michigan, where sunlight can reflect off snow in winter and water in summer, increasing UV exposure.
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes (common in Michigan and associated with higher cataract risk)
  • Long-term use of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone)
  • Family history of cataracts
  • Previous eye injury or eye surgery
  • Excessive alcohol use

Because Grand Rapids residents enjoy outdoor activities year-round—from winter sports to summer boating on nearby lakes—consistent eye protection from UV rays is important.

How Cataracts Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Cataracts are diagnosed with a comprehensive eye examination. This can be done by:

  • An optometrist (eye doctor who provides vision care and eye exams)
  • An ophthalmologist (medical doctor and eye surgeon)

A typical cataract evaluation includes:

  • Review of your medical and vision history
  • Vision testing (eye chart)
  • Examination of the lens and other eye structures, often using dilating eye drops
  • Discussion of how your vision problems affect daily activities (driving, reading, work, hobbies)

If you notice changes in your vision, you can start by seeing:

  • Your primary care provider in Grand Rapids
  • A local optometrist (many are located throughout Kent County)
  • An ophthalmologist at a clinic affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health

Treatment: Cataract Surgery

The only effective treatment for a cataract is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL).

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed in the United States, including here in Grand Rapids. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure:

  1. Local anesthesia

    • Numbing drops or an injection around the eye are used. You remain awake but comfortable.

  2. Small incision

    • The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye.

  3. Removal of the cloudy lens

    • The cataract-affected lens is broken up and removed.

  4. Placement of an artificial lens

    • A clear intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted to replace the natural lens.

  5. No stitches in most cases

    • The small incision often seals on its own without stitches.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

  • Most people go home the same day.
  • Vision often begins to improve within a few days, though full recovery can take several weeks.
  • You will use prescription eye drops after surgery and attend follow-up appointments.
  • You’ll receive instructions about driving, lifting, and other activities during recovery.

Once a cataract is removed, it cannot grow back. However, sometimes the lens capsule that holds the IOL can become cloudy later. This is called a “secondary cataract” or posterior capsule opacification and can be treated with a quick laser procedure in your eye doctor’s office.

Your ophthalmologist will advise you if and when your cataract should be removed. Surgery is usually recommended when:

  • Your vision loss interferes with daily activities (driving, reading, work, hobbies).
  • You have trouble driving safely at night—especially important during long, dark Michigan winters.
  • Your cataract makes it difficult to monitor or treat other eye conditions (like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy).

Cataract surgery is typically safe and effective, but as with any surgery, there are risks. Your surgeon will review the benefits and risks with you.

Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

Cataracts cannot always be prevented, but you can lower your risk of developing them early or slowing their progression.

Steps That May Help Prevent or Delay Cataracts

  • Protect your eyes from UV light

    • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on bright winter days when sunlight reflects off snow.
    • Use a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

  • Quit smoking

    • Smoking is a major risk factor. Talk to your Grand Rapids healthcare provider about smoking cessation programs.

  • Manage diabetes and other health conditions

    • Keep blood sugar under good control if you have diabetes.
    • Follow up regularly with your primary care provider or endocrinologist.

  • Have regular eye exams

    • Early detection allows for monitoring and timely treatment.
    • Older adults in Grand Rapids should have routine eye exams even if vision seems fine.

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle

    • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables with antioxidants.
    • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

While these steps may help reduce your risk or delay the onset of cataracts, they cannot guarantee prevention.

Local Resources for Cataract Care in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about cataracts or changes in your vision, you have several options in the Grand Rapids area:

  • Primary Care Providers

    • Family medicine and internal medicine clinics throughout Grand Rapids can provide initial evaluations and referrals.

  • Optometrists (Eye Doctors)

    • Many local optometry practices provide eye exams, diagnose cataracts, and coordinate care with surgeons.

  • Ophthalmologists (Eye Specialists)

    • Eye surgeons affiliated with:
      • Spectrum Health
      • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
      • Metro Health
      • Mercy Health
    • These specialists perform cataract surgery and manage more complex eye conditions.

  • Public Health Resources

    • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can provide information on local vision programs, screenings, and resources, especially for those with limited insurance coverage.

If you experience sudden vision loss, eye pain, or a dramatic change in vision, seek urgent medical attention through your nearest emergency department or urgent care center in Grand Rapids.

Key Takeaways About Cataracts in Grand Rapids

  • Cataracts are very common in older adults and are a leading cause of vision changes in Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Symptoms include blurred vision, yellowing or fading of colors, increased glare, and reduced night vision.
  • Age, UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, and long-term steroid use are key risk factors.
  • Cataracts are treated with surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens.
  • Protecting your eyes from UV light, not smoking, and managing diabetes may help delay cataract development.
  • Local eye care providers and major health systems in Grand Rapids offer comprehensive cataract evaluation and treatment.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and notice changes in your vision, schedule an eye exam with a local optometrist, ophthalmologist, or talk with your primary care provider about a referral. Early evaluation can help protect your vision and maintain your independence and quality of life.