Causes and Risk Factors for Cataracts

Causes and Risk Factors for Cataracts
Research scientists know how the lens clouds (see Age-Related Cataract Formation) and that certain things can increase a person's risk of developing cataracts. But researchers do not know what causes the lens to cloud. The search for these cataract causes is an active area of research.

Cataract research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop them. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

Specific risk factors for this condition include:

Age (the risk increases as you get older)
Diabetes
Smoking
Long-term alcohol use
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight
Lead exposure.

Types of Cataracts
Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types. Some of these other cataract types include:

Secondary
Traumatic
Congenital
Radiation.

The term "age-related" is a little misleading. You don't have to be a senior citizen to get this type of cataract. In fact, people can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts cause a decrease in vision.

Symptoms of Cataracts
There are several possible cataract symptoms. However, other eye problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with possible symptoms should see an eyecare professional. Only a qualified eyecare professional can diagnose and treat the problem.

Possible symptoms may include:

Blurred or cloudy vision
Lights seem very bright (glare)
Colors seem faded
Difficulty reading
Poor night vision
Double vision or multiple images in one eye (this may go away as the cataract gets larger)
Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.