WHAT CAUSES A CATARACT?
Cataracts are a leading cause of diminished vision affecting millions of people in the United States. Occasionally babies are born with cataracts, or young people develop them as a result of injuries and certain strong medications. In the vast majority of cases, cataract formation is related to the natural aging process, in fact, more than half of the population over the age of 65 has some degree of cataract development.
Most cataracts are due to age-related changes in the lens. However, other factors can contribute to their development including: • Diabetes mellitus – Persons with diabetes are at higher risk for cataracts. • Drugs – Certain medications have been found to be associated with the development of a cataract. These include: • Corticosteroids • Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine related medications • Ultraviolet radiation – Studies have shown that there is an increased chance of cataract formation with unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. • Smoking – An association between smoking and increased nuclear opacities has been reported. • Alcohol – Several studies have shown increased cataract formation in patients with higher alcohol consumption compared with people who have lower or no alcohol consumption. • Nutritional deficiency – Although the results are inconclusive, studies have suggested an association between cataract formation and low levels of antioxidants (e.g. vitam
Most cataracts occur as part of the aging process, from a change in the chemical composition of the lens. They usually do not become a problem until you are in your 60s or 70s. (If you live long enough, you are almost certain to develop one eventually.) Some, but not all, scientists feel that prolonged exposure (over years) to sunlight can damage the lens and plays a role in cataract development. Cataracts can also be caused by eye injuries, certain eye diseases and body conditions, hereditary or birth defects, and occasionally, some medications. They are not caused or made worse by using or “overusing” the eyes.
