Zaćma
Etiologia i przyczyny

Zaćma, będąca zmętnieniem soczewki oka, jest główną przyczyną utraty wzroku na świecie, odpowiadającą za około 40% przypadków ślepoty globalnej. Etiologia zaćmy jest wieloczynnikowa, z dominującym wpływem procesów starzenia się, które rozpoczynają się po 40. roku życia i prowadzą do degradacji białek soczewki (krystalin), ich agregacji oraz pigmentacji, co skutkuje utratą przejrzystości soczewki. Czynniki ryzyka obejmują choroby metaboliczne (np. cukrzycę, zwiększającą ryzyko 3-4-krotnie przed 65. rokiem życia), nadciśnienie tętnicze, schorzenia okulistyczne (jaskra, uveitis), predyspozycje genetyczne, ekspozycję na promieniowanie UVB, palenie tytoniu (dwukrotnie wyższe ryzyko), nadmierne spożycie alkoholu (≥2 drinki/dzień), urazy oka, stosowanie kortykosteroidów (zwłaszcza doustnych i wziewnych) oraz ekspozycję na promieniowanie jonizujące. Zaćma może mieć różne formy kliniczne, w tym jądrową, korową, tylno- i przedniopodtorebkową, a także typy wtórne i pourazowe.

Etiologia zaćmy u dorosłych

Zaćma (z łac. cataracta) to zmętnienie soczewki oka, które prowadzi do pogorszenia widzenia. Jest to najczęstsza przyczyna utraty wzroku na świecie, odpowiadająca za około 40% przypadków ślepoty globalnej 12. Zaćma występuje głównie u osób starszych, jednak może rozwijać się również w młodszym wieku z powodu różnych czynników. Liczba osób dotkniętych zaćmą stale rośnie – szacuje się, że na świecie około 20 milionów ludzi cierpi na ślepotę spowodowaną zaćmą 34.

Zmiany związane z wiekiem jako główna przyczyna zaćmy

Starzenie się organizmu stanowi najważniejszy i najczęstszy czynnik etiologiczny w rozwoju zaćmy u dorosłych 56. Proces ten rozpoczyna się zazwyczaj po 40 roku życia, kiedy to białka tworzące soczewkę oka zaczynają ulegać degradacji i fragmentacji 7. W miarę upływu czasu, te naturalne zmiany prowadzą do:

  • Zagęszczania i usztywniania centralnej części soczewki (stwardnienie jądra soczewki), podczas gdy nowe warstwy włókien korowych nadal proliferują 8
  • Nieprawidłowych zmian w białkach soczewki (krystaliny), prowadzących do ich chemicznej i strukturalnej modyfikacji, co skutkuje utratą przejrzystości 9
  • Pigmentacji białek soczewki (żółto-brązowe zabarwienie) 10
  • Zmian w składnikach jonowych soczewki 11

Białka tworzące soczewkę zaczynają się zlepiać i tworzyć skupiska, które stopniowo zwiększają swoje rozmiary, przez co ograniczają ilość światła przechodzącego przez soczewkę do siatkówki 1213. Proces ten w większości przypadków przebiega stopniowo, choć czasami może postępować szybciej, szczególnie u osób z czynnikami ryzyka 14.

Badania epidemiologiczne potwierdzają, że około 50% osób po 60 roku życia ma zaćmę, a niemal wszyscy 80-latkowie albo już mają zaćmę, albo przeszli operację jej usunięcia 1516. W rzeczywistości, zaćma starczą uznaje się za nieuniknioną część procesu starzenia się 17.

Czynniki medyczne w patogenezie zaćmy

Cukrzyca

Cukrzyca jest jednym z najistotniejszych czynników medycznych wpływających na rozwój zaćmy. Osoby z cukrzycą mają nawet 3-4 razy wyższe ryzyko rozwoju zaćmy przed 65 rokiem życia 1819. Mechanizm powstawania zaćmy w przebiegu cukrzycy obejmuje kilka procesów:

  • Wysokie stężenie glukozy we krwi powoduje strukturalne zmiany w soczewce oka 20
  • Dochodzi do obrzęku soczewki, co prowadzi do zaburzeń widzenia 21
  • Długotrwała hiperglikemia przyspiesza degenerację białek soczewki 22
  • U osób z cukrzycą może też wystąpić rzadki typ zaćmy znany jako „zaćma śnieżynkowa” (snowflake cataract), charakteryzująca się szaro-białym wzorem przypominającym płatek śniegu 2324
Nadciśnienie tętnicze

Nadciśnienie tętnicze jest istotnym czynnikiem ryzyka rozwoju zaćmy. Liczne badania epidemiologiczne wskazują na wyraźny związek między nadciśnieniem a formowaniem się zaćmy 25. Nadciśnienie wpływa na naczynia krwionośne oka, prowadząc do uszkodzeń, które mogą przyczyniać się do rozwoju zaćmy 26.

Choroby oczu

Różne schorzenia okulistyczne mogą przyspieszać rozwój zaćmy:

  • Jaskra – zwiększa ryzyko rozwoju zaćmy, szczególnie po operacjach przeciwjaskrowych 27
  • Zapalenie błony naczyniowej (uveitis) – przewlekłe stany zapalne oka są związane z szybszym rozwojem zaćmy 2829
  • Retinopatia barwnikowa – związana z wyższym ryzykiem rozwoju zaćmy 30
  • Odwarstwienie siatkówki – może być czynnikiem przyczyniającym się do rozwoju zaćmy 31
Inne choroby systemowe

Poza cukrzycą i nadciśnieniem, inne schorzenia ogólnoustrojowe mogą przyczyniać się do rozwoju zaćmy:

  • Zaburzenia metaboliczne – takie jak galaktozemia, choroba Wilsona i dystrofia miotoniczna 32
  • Choroby układu endokrynologicznego – np. nadczynność przytarczyc (hiperpartyroidyzm) 3334
  • Choroby reumatologiczne – jak toczeń czy reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, szczególnie w przypadku leczenia kortykosteroidami 35
  • Nerwiakowłókniakowatość typu 2 – około 60% pacjentów z tym genetycznym zaburzeniem rozwija zaćmę 36
  • Niedoczynność przytarczyc – prowadzi do niskiego poziomu wapnia w cieczy wodnistej, co może powodować uszkodzenie błon i formowanie zaćmy 37

Czynniki genetyczne i rodzinne

Predyspozycje genetyczne odgrywają istotną rolę w patogenezie zaćmy. Osoby z rodzinnym występowaniem zaćmy mają wyższe ryzyko jej rozwoju, często w młodszym wieku 3839. Badania wskazują, że:

  • Komponenta genetyczna jest silna w rozwoju zaćmy, najczęściej poprzez mechanizmy związane z ochroną i utrzymaniem soczewki 40
  • Niektóre mutacje genetyczne prowadzą do zaćmy wrodzonej (obecnej przy urodzeniu) 41
  • W przypadku zaćmy związanej z wiekiem, mutacje genetyczne mogą czynić soczewkę bardziej podatną na uszkodzenia spowodowane czynnikami środowiskowymi 42
  • Zaćma może być związana z dziedzicznymi zaburzeniami genetycznymi, które powodują inne problemy zdrowotne 43

Niektóre typy zaćmy mają silny komponent genetyczny, np. zaćma wielobarwna (polychromatyczna, „choinkowa”), zaćma korowa, zaćma jądrowa, a także zaćma tylnotorebkowa 444546.

Czynniki środowiskowe w etiologii zaćmy

Ekspozycja na promieniowanie UV

Długotrwała ekspozycja na promieniowanie ultrafioletowe, szczególnie UVB, jest istotnym czynnikiem środowiskowym sprzyjającym rozwojowi zaćmy 4748. Promieniowanie UV uszkadza białka soczewki poprzez:

  • Tworzenie wolnych rodników, które uszkadzają strukturę białek 49
  • Przyspieszanie oksydacyjnych uszkodzeń soczewki 50
  • Indukowanie zmian strukturalnych w krystalinie soczewki 51

Osoby pracujące na zewnątrz, takie jak piloci linii lotniczych, mają zwiększone ryzyko rozwoju zaćmy z powodu nadmiernej ekspozycji na promieniowanie słoneczne 52.

Palenie tytoniu

Palenie tytoniu jest drugim najważniejszym modyfikowalnym czynnikiem ryzyka rozwoju zaćmy 5354. Palacze mają około dwukrotnie wyższe ryzyko rozwoju zaćmy w porównaniu do ogólnej populacji 55. Mechanizmy, poprzez które palenie przyspiesza rozwój zaćmy, obejmują:

  • Indukowanie stresu oksydacyjnego w tkankach oka 56
  • Uszkadzanie białek soczewki przez toksyny obecne w dymie tytoniowym 57
  • Redukcję antyoksydantów, które normalnie chronią soczewkę przed uszkodzeniami 58
  • Zwiększoną akumulację związków odpowiedzialnych za zmiany barwne w soczewce 59

Badania wskazują na silny związek między paleniem a formacją zaćmy, szczególnie u osób palących aktualnie i tych, którzy palą dużo 60.

Spożywanie alkoholu

Nadmierne spożycie alkoholu jest związane ze zwiększonym ryzykiem rozwoju zaćmy 6162. Badania wskazują, że:

  • Umiarkowane spożycie alkoholu nie wykazuje znaczącego wpływu na ryzyko zaćmy 63
  • Wysokie spożycie alkoholu (2 lub więcej drinków dziennie) znacząco zwiększa ryzyko zaćmy 64
  • Alkohol przyczynia się do stresu oksydacyjnego i uszkodzenia białek soczewki 65
  • Może zaburzać odwodnienie i stabilność białek soczewki 66
Zanieczyszczenia środowiskowe

Różne zanieczyszczenia środowiskowe i chemikalia mogą przyczyniać się do rozwoju zaćmy:

  • Zanieczyszczenia powietrza 67
  • Dym tytoniowy w środowisku (bierne palenie) 68
  • Chemikalia przemysłowe 69
  • Pestycydy 70

Ekspozycja na te czynniki może prowadzić do stresu oksydacyjnego w oku i przyspieszać procesy degeneracyjne w soczewce 71.

Urazy oka i zabiegi chirurgiczne

Urazy mechaniczne

Urazy oka stanowią istotny czynnik w rozwoju zaćmy traumatycznej. Zaćma może rozwinąć się zarówno po tępych, jak i penetrujących urazach oka 7273. Mechanizmy powstawania zaćmy pourazowej obejmują:

  • Obrzęk i zgrubienie włókien soczewki 74
  • Białe, mętne zmiany w soczewce 75
  • W przypadku tępych urazów może powstać charakterystyczny typ zaćmy gwiaździstej (stellate cataract) 76

Warto zauważyć, że zaćma pourazowa może rozwinąć się natychmiast po urazie lub nawet po wielu latach – nawet do 20 lat po zdarzeniu 77.

Wcześniejsze zabiegi chirurgiczne oka

Niektóre operacje okulistyczne mogą zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju zaćmy:

  • Witrektomia (usunięcie ciała szklistego) – niemal każda osoba, która przeszła witrektomię bez wcześniejszej operacji zaćmy, doświadczy progresji stwardnienia jądra soczewki po zabiegu 7879
  • Operacje jaskry – mogą zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju zaćmy 80
  • Wcześniejsze zabiegi na siatkówce – mogą predysponować do rozwoju zaćmy 81
Inne formy urazów

Poza urazami mechanicznymi, inne rodzaje urazów mogą prowadzić do rozwoju zaćmy:

  • Porażenie prądem – zaćma może rozwinąć się u 0,7-8,0% osób po urazach elektrycznych 82
  • Oparzenia chemiczne oka 8384
  • Oparzenia termiczne okolic oka 85

Leki i terapie medyczne w patogenezie zaćmy

Kortykosteroidy

Długotrwałe stosowanie kortykosteroidów jest jednym z najważniejszych jatrogennych czynników ryzyka rozwoju zaćmy 8687. Zaćma może rozwinąć się w wyniku stosowania sterydów w różnych formach:

  • Doustnych 88
  • Dożylnych 89
  • Wziewnych 90
  • W kroplach do oczu – szczególnie niebezpieczne przy długotrwałym stosowaniu 91

Kortykosteroidy przyśpieszają formowanie się zaćmy głównie typu tylnego podtorebkowego 92. Są one często stosowane w leczeniu takich chorób jak astma, zapalenie stawów, alergie czy choroby zapalne oczu 9394.

Inne leki

Poza kortykosteroidami, inne leki również mogą przyczyniać się do rozwoju zaćmy:

  • Statyny – leki obniżające poziom cholesterolu 95
  • Fenotiazyny – szczególnie chlorpromazyna (Thorazine) 96
  • Ezetimibe – lek obniżający cholesterol 97
  • Diuretyki 98
  • Leki uspokajające 99
Radioterapia i inne formy promieniowania

Ekspozycja na promieniowanie jonizujące może prowadzić do rozwoju zaćmy:

  • Radioterapia nowotworów głowy i szyi lub górnej części ciała 100101
  • Promieniowanie rentgenowskie (X-ray) – może uszkadzać DNA komórek soczewki 102
  • Częste prześwietlenia rentgenowskie głowy 103

Terapia tlenem hiperbarycznym również może powodować długoterminowy rozwój zaćmy jako efekt uboczny 104.

Czynniki żywieniowe i styl życia

Otyłość i nadwaga

Otyłość i nadwaga są związane z podwyższonym ryzykiem rozwoju zaćmy 105106. Mechanizmy łączące otyłość z zaćmą obejmują:

  • Przewlekły stan zapalny, który uszkadza tkanki oka 107
  • Stres oksydacyjny w delikatnych naczyniach krwionośnych oka 108
  • Częstsze współwystępowanie chorób metabolicznych, takich jak cukrzyca 109

Badania populacyjne wykazały znacząco niższą częstość występowania zaćmy u osób prowadzących zdrowy tryb życia, obejmujący regularną aktywność fizyczną i prawidłowe odżywianie 110.

Niedobory żywieniowe

Nieprawidłowa dieta i niedobór niektórych składników odżywczych mogą przyczyniać się do rozwoju zaćmy:

  • Niskie spożycie i poziom witaminy C w surowicy są związane z wyższym ryzykiem zaćmy 111
  • Niedobór witaminy E 112
  • Niedobór antyoksydantów i karotenoidów 113
  • Dieta uboga w zielone warzywa liściaste, owoce i kwasy omega-3 114

Niektóre badania sugerują, że dieta bogata w antyoksydanty może opóźniać rozwój zaćmy 115.

Krótkowzroczność

Wysoka krótkowzroczność (myopia) może zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju zaćmy, szczególnie typów jądrowych i tylnych podtorebkowych 116117. Mechanizm tego związku nie jest w pełni wyjaśniony, ale może wynikać z:

  • Zmienionych właściwości biofizycznych soczewki u osób z wysoką krótkowzrocznością 118
  • Zmian w przepływie płynów wewnątrzgałkowych 119
  • Współwystępowania innych schorzeń okulistycznych 120

Zaćma wrodzona u dorosłych

Choć zaćma wrodzona jest obecna od urodzenia lub rozwija się w dzieciństwie, warto o niej wspomnieć, gdyż niektórzy dorośli mogą mieć niezdiagnozowaną zaćmę wrodzoną lub być jej nosicielami. Główne przyczyny zaćmy wrodzonej to:

  • Czynniki genetyczne – dziedziczenie autosomalnie dominujące lub recesywne 121
  • Infekcje matki podczas ciąży, szczególnie różyczka (najczęstsza przyczyna) 122
  • Inne infekcje prenatalne: grypa, ospa wietrzna, wirus Epsteina-Barr, półpasiec 123
  • Zaburzenia metaboliczne 124
  • Stany zapalne 125
  • Urazy 126

Zaćma wrodzona może współwystępować z innymi wadami wrodzonymi, takimi jak zespół Downa 127.

Rola stresu oksydacyjnego w patogenezie zaćmy

Stres oksydacyjny jest kluczowym mechanizmem patogenetycznym w rozwoju zaćmy 128129. Proces ten polega na:

  • Nadprodukcji oksydantów, czyli cząsteczek tlenu, które zostały chemicznie zmienione w wyniku codziennego życia 130
  • Uszkodzeniu białek soczewki, prowadzącym do ich agregacji i akumulacji skupisk białka lub żółto-brązowego barwnika w soczewce 131
  • Peroksydacji lipidów, która jest ważnym mechanizmem patogenetycznym w tworzeniu zaćmy 132

Zaćma starcza jest związana ze zmniejszeniem zdolności antyoksydacyjnej soczewki 133. Zwiększenie stresu oksydacyjnego w soczewce lub zmniejszenie zdolności do usuwania reaktywnych form tlenu może prowadzić do zwiększenia mętności soczewki 134.

Wiele z wcześniej wymienionych czynników ryzyka działa właśnie poprzez nasilanie stresu oksydacyjnego:

  • Palenie tytoniu zwiększa ekspozycję na wolne rodniki 135
  • Promieniowanie UV generuje reaktywne formy tlenu w soczewce 136
  • Niektóre choroby metaboliczne, jak cukrzyca, nasilają stres oksydacyjny 137

Typy zaćmy u dorosłych w zależności od etiologii

W zależności od czynnika przyczynowego, zaćmę można podzielić na kilka głównych typów:

Zaćma starcza (senilna)

Najczęstszy typ zaćmy, związany z naturalnym procesem starzenia się 138. W zależności od lokalizacji zmętnienia w soczewce, zaćmę starczą dzielimy na:

  • Zaćma jądrowa (nuclear sclerotic cataract) – najczęstszy typ, rozwija się w centralnej części soczewki, powodując jej żółto-brązowe zabarwienie 139140
  • Zaćma korowa – rozwija się na zewnętrznej krawędzi soczewki, tworząc białe kliny przypominające trójkąty skierowane w stronę centrum oka 141
  • Zaćma tylna podtorebkowa – tworzy się tuż wewnątrz tylnej części torebki soczewki, bezpośrednio na drodze światła przechodzącego przez soczewkę 142
  • Zaćma przednia podtorebkowa – tworzy się tuż wewnątrz przedniej części torebki soczewki 143

Zaćma wtórna

Rozwija się w wyniku innych schorzeń oka, chorób ogólnoustrojowych lub leczenia medycznego 144:

  • Wtórna do cukrzycy – „zaćma śnieżynkowa” 145146
  • Wtórna do stosowania leków, szczególnie sterydów 147
  • Wtórna do chorób oczu, takich jak jaskra, zapalenie błony naczyniowej, retinopatia barwnikowa 148
  • Wtórna do zabiegów chirurgicznych oka, np. po witrektomii 149
  • Brunescencyjna – niezleczona zaćma jądrowa, która staje się bardzo twarda i brązowa 150

Zaćma urazowa (traumatyczna)

Rozwija się w wyniku urazu oka 151152153:

  • Po tępym urazie (np. uderzenie piłką) 154
  • Po urazie penetrującym (np. skaleczenie ostrym przedmiotem) 155
  • Po oparzeniu chemicznym oka 156
  • Po porażeniu prądem elektrycznym 157

Zaćma radiacyjna

Powstaje w wyniku ekspozycji na różne formy promieniowania 158:

  • Po radioterapii nowotworów głowy i szyi 159
  • Po ekspozycji na promieniowanie jonizujące 160
  • Po ekspozycji na promieniowanie UV 161

Ten typ zaćmy jest jednym z najrzadszych 162.

Zaćma metaboliczna

Rozwija się w wyniku zaburzeń metabolicznych 163:

  • W przebiegu cukrzycy 164
  • W galaktozemii 165
  • W chorobie Wilsona 166
  • W dystrofii miotonicznej 167
  • W hiperpartyroidyzmie 168

Złożona patogeneza zaćmy

Zaćma u dorosłych jest wieloczynnikowym schorzeniem, w którym znaczącą rolę odgrywają procesy starzenia się, czynniki genetyczne, środowiskowe, choroby współistniejące oraz stres oksydacyjny 169. Głównym mechanizmem patofizjologicznym jest degradacja i nieprawidłowa agregacja białek soczewki, prowadząca do jej zmętnienia i upośledzenia przejrzystości 170.

Mnogość czynników etiologicznych i ich wzajemne interakcje sprawiają, że zaćma jest złożonym schorzeniem, które pomimo zaawansowanych technik chirurgicznych wciąż stanowi główną przyczynę ślepoty na świecie 171. Zrozumienie etiologii zaćmy jest kluczowe dla opracowania skutecznych strategii profilaktycznych i terapeutycznych, które mogłyby opóźnić jej rozwój lub zapobiec jej powstaniu 172.

Mając na uwadze wieloczynnikową etiologię zaćmy, kluczowe jest wdrażanie działań profilaktycznych obejmujących zdrowy styl życia, ochronę oczu przed promieniowaniem UV, unikanie palenia tytoniu i nadmiernego spożycia alkoholu, a także regularne badania okulistyczne, szczególnie u osób z grupy podwyższonego ryzyka 173174.

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  1. 12.04.2026
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Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment | Orbis
    https://www.orbis.org/en/avoidable-blindness/cataracts
    Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the world, accounting for around 40% of global blindness, according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. […] Cataract is the leading cause of avoidable blindness and vision loss in the world. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness women are at greater risk than men of developing cataracts and are less likely to have access to services needed to treat them. […] There are a number of factors that can cause or increase the risk of cataracts. These include: Age, Genetic disorders, Eye injury, Smoking, Exposure to U.V. light, Diabetes, Obesity, Uveitis. […] Commonly, most cases of cataracts occur in older people, but they can appear at any age. […] Some babies are born with cataracts, frequently due to environmental or genetic disorders. This is known as congenital cataracts.
  • #2
    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment
    The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness at a global level are refractive errors and cataracts. […] Globally, the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness are: refractive errors, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration. […] For example, the proportion of vision impairment attributable to unoperated cataract is higher in low- and middle-income countries. […] Among this 1 billion people, the main conditions causing distance vision impairment or blindness are cataract (94 million). […] Spectacle correction for refractive error and surgery for cataract are among the most cost-effective of all health-care interventions. […] only 17% of people with vision impairment or blindness due to cataract have received access to quality surgery.
  • #3 Cataract in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cataract-in-adults
    Cataracts occur frequently with increasing age and may be a normal part of aging. However, poor nutrition, metabolic insults, excessive exposure to sunlight or other sources of radiation, trauma, and certain medications such as cortisone can speed their development. […] Cataracts continue to be an important cause of blindness. Worldwide, cases of blindness due to cataract have increased from 12.3 million in 1990 to 20 million in 2010, with the proportion of blindness due to cataract ranging from 12.7 percent in North America to 42 percent in Southeast Asia.
  • #4 Cataract in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cataract-in-adults/print
    Cataract is a significant cause of blindness worldwide. […] Cataracts occur frequently with increasing age and may be a normal part of aging. However, poor nutrition, metabolic insults, excessive exposure to sunlight or other sources of radiation, trauma, and certain medications such as cortisone can speed their development. […] The major advances in the surgical treatment of cataract have not been matched by advances in the understanding of cataract formation, approaches to prevention, or in nonsurgical therapy. […] Cataracts continue to be an important cause of blindness. Worldwide, cases of blindness due to cataract have increased from 12.3 million in 1990 to 20 million in 2010, with the proportion of blindness due to cataract ranging from 12.7 percent in North America to 42 percent in Southeast Asia. […] The pattern and rate of blinding disorders differs between nations depending upon whether nutritional and infectious causes of blindness are eradicated and whether there are resources available for treatable disorders such as cataract.
  • #5 Cataracts – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
    Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy. […] Some disorders passed down from parents that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. […] As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Aging and some medical conditions can cause proteins and fibers within the lenses to break down and clump together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses. […] Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: Increasing age. Diabetes. Getting too much sunlight. Smoking. Obesity. Family history of cataracts. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • #6 Causes of Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/causes-cataracts
    Most cataracts happen because of natural changes in your eyes as you get older. […] After age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye naturally start to break down. Most cataracts happen because of these natural changes. […] Doctors and researchers are still studying exactly why cataracts form. They have found some factors other than aging that make cataracts more likely, including: A family history of cataracts, Diabetes, A serious eye injury, Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition, Taking steroids medicines used to treat some health problems, like arthritis or allergies, Radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases. […] Doctors and researchers have also found that some things make cataracts form faster, including: Smoking, Drinking too much alcohol, Spending too much time in the sun, especially without sunglasses.
  • #7 Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts
    A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye (the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light). Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts. […] Most cataracts happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older. […] When you’re young, the lens in your eye is clear. Around age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clump makes a cloudy area on your lens known as a cataract. Over time, the cataract gets worse and makes more of your lens cloudy.
  • #8 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A cataract is a clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens that focuses the light entering the eye onto the retina. […] There are several types of cataracts including age related, traumatic, and metabolic. Age-related cataract is the most common type, and the pathogenesis is multifactorial and not fully understood. […] In age-related cataract, the pathogenesis of cataract development is multifactorial and includes the following: Compaction and stiffening of the central lens material (nuclear sclerosis) as new layers of cortical (outer lens) fibers continue to proliferate over time; Abnormal changes in lens proteins (crystallins) resulting in their chemical and structural alteration, leading to loss of transparency; Pigmentation of lens proteins (yellow–brown); Changes in the ionic components of the lens.
  • #9 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A cataract is a clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens that focuses the light entering the eye onto the retina. […] There are several types of cataracts including age related, traumatic, and metabolic. Age-related cataract is the most common type, and the pathogenesis is multifactorial and not fully understood. […] In age-related cataract, the pathogenesis of cataract development is multifactorial and includes the following: Compaction and stiffening of the central lens material (nuclear sclerosis) as new layers of cortical (outer lens) fibers continue to proliferate over time; Abnormal changes in lens proteins (crystallins) resulting in their chemical and structural alteration, leading to loss of transparency; Pigmentation of lens proteins (yellow–brown); Changes in the ionic components of the lens.
  • #10 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A cataract is a clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens that focuses the light entering the eye onto the retina. […] There are several types of cataracts including age related, traumatic, and metabolic. Age-related cataract is the most common type, and the pathogenesis is multifactorial and not fully understood. […] In age-related cataract, the pathogenesis of cataract development is multifactorial and includes the following: Compaction and stiffening of the central lens material (nuclear sclerosis) as new layers of cortical (outer lens) fibers continue to proliferate over time; Abnormal changes in lens proteins (crystallins) resulting in their chemical and structural alteration, leading to loss of transparency; Pigmentation of lens proteins (yellow–brown); Changes in the ionic components of the lens.
  • #11 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A cataract is a clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens that focuses the light entering the eye onto the retina. […] There are several types of cataracts including age related, traumatic, and metabolic. Age-related cataract is the most common type, and the pathogenesis is multifactorial and not fully understood. […] In age-related cataract, the pathogenesis of cataract development is multifactorial and includes the following: Compaction and stiffening of the central lens material (nuclear sclerosis) as new layers of cortical (outer lens) fibers continue to proliferate over time; Abnormal changes in lens proteins (crystallins) resulting in their chemical and structural alteration, leading to loss of transparency; Pigmentation of lens proteins (yellow–brown); Changes in the ionic components of the lens.
  • #12 Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts
    A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye (the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light). Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts. […] Most cataracts happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older. […] When you’re young, the lens in your eye is clear. Around age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clump makes a cloudy area on your lens known as a cataract. Over time, the cataract gets worse and makes more of your lens cloudy.
  • #13
  • #14 Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors | Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
    https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/understanding-cataracts-causes-symptoms-and-risk-factors/
    Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly as they age. […] Understanding the causes of cataracts can help in early detection and prevention. Here are some primary causes: Aging: The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As you age, the proteins in your eyes lens can start to break down and clump together, forming a cloudy area. […] UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts. […] Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of cataracts due to high blood sugar levels affecting the eyes lens. […] Smoking: Tobacco smoke can accelerate the clouding of the lens. […] Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
  • #15 Does Everyone Get Cataracts? Cataract Causes and Risk Factors
    https://www.floridaeyespecialists.com/blog/2024/10/does-everyone-get-cataracts-cataract-causes-and-risk-factors/
    Yes, everyone develops cataracts with age. Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. While most people start noticing symptoms in their 60s or 70s, they can begin in your 40s and 50s or even younger, depending on other causes. […] Cataracts form when proteins and fibers in the eyes natural lens begin to break down, which causes blurry and dull vision. This breakdown typically happens as a normal part of aging as we get older. However, certain underlying conditions and risk factors can speed the process, causing cataracts to develop at younger ages. […] Causes and Risk Factors of Early Onset Cataracts include Diabetes, High blood pressure, Smoking, Eye injury, trauma, or previous eye surgery, and Long-term use of steroid medications.
  • #16 What Age Do Cataracts Start Developing?  NeoVision Eye Center
    https://www.neovisioneyecenters.com/what-age-do-cataracts-develop/
    Cataracts are a very common age-related eye condition. Most 80-year-olds, according to the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) National Eye Institute, either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. […] When women and men reach the age of 40, aging begins to contribute to age-related eye diseases such as cataracts. After the age of 40, your risk of cataracts continues to grow. […] While age is the most common cause of cataracts there are many other risk factors associated with their development. Lifestyles and existing conditions that may hasten the formation of age-related cataracts include: Obesity, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Smoking, Years of excessive UV exposure, Diabetes, Extreme nearsightedness, Past eye injury or inflammation, Steroid use. […] The most common cause of cataracts is aging. According to the National Eye Institute, in 2010, 68.3% of adults in the United States, 80 years old or older, have had, or still have cataracts. Like wrinkles, crepey skin, and brittle bones, as we age, almost everyone gets cataracts eventually.
  • #17 Cataracts: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related
    Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on your eyes lens. Age-related cataracts are the most common type. […] Healthcare providers consider cataracts an inevitable part of aging, and age-related cataracts is the most common form of the condition. […] The main cause of cataracts is the gradual breakdown of proteins in your lens. […] However, certain genetic and environmental factors can raise your risk of developing cataracts or developing them at a younger age compared with others. […] Environmental risk factors include: Air pollution. Tobacco smoke. Alcohol. Industrial chemicals. Pesticides. Long-term exposure to UV light from the sun. History of radiation therapy to the upper part of your body. […] Medical risk factors can that raise your risk for cataracts include: Having diabetes or high blood sugar. Having certain eye surgeries, like glaucoma. Using corticosteroids to treat some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis). Having certain eye diseases, like retina pigmentosa or uveitis. […] A family history of cataracts raises your risk of developing them. Some genetic mutations lead to congenital cataracts (present at birth). When it comes to age-related cataracts, genetic mutations may make your lens more vulnerable to damage from environmental risk factors.
  • #18 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Cataracts are primarily associated with the natural aging process. As we age, proteins in the eyes lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. Aging is the most significant risk factor for cataracts. This process is so common that cataracts are often considered a normal part of aging. […] While age is the primary risk factor for cataract development, several other factors can increase an individuals likelihood of developing cataracts or accelerate their progression: […] Numerous epidemiological studies show a positive association between smoking and cataract formation, with a higher correlation among current smokers and heavy smokers. […] Hypertension has been shown across multiple studies to be a significant risk factor for cataract formation. […] Population based studies found that individuals with diabetes have a threefold to fourfold increased risk of cataract before age 65 years.
  • #19 What Causes Early Onset Cataracts? | Medical Optometry
    https://www.northparkvision.com/what-causes-early-onset-cataracts/
    A cataract can form in the eye after a traumatic injury to an eye. […] According to a 2018 study in Eye, diabetics have twice the risk of developing cataracts. […] Certain drugs, such as steroids and statins, may increase the chances of developing cataracts at a relatively young age. […] According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, people who are exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation may have a higher risk of developing early cataracts. […] Certain lifestyle factors may be associated with the early onset of cataracts, including: Obesity, Smoking, Direct exposure to UV rays.
  • #20 Cataracts & Diabetes: Causes, Prevention & Treatment
    https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/eye-health/curious-about-cataracts
    Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. While they are common in the aging population, its important to know that they can occur at a much earlier age when you have diabetes. […] When you have diabetes, high blood sugar (blood glucose) levels over time can lead to structural changes in the lens of the eye that can accelerate the development of cataracts. […] If you have diabetes, you might be at greater risk for developing cataracts depending on how long youve had it, the frequency of glucose levels above your target range and the presence of macular edemafluid build-up in the macula (located in the center of the retina). […] Other causes of cataracts: Family history, Eye injury, Eye surgery, Repeated eye injections, Spending a lot of time in the sun without UV sunglasses, Using certain medications, such as corticosteroids.
  • #21 Which diseases cause cataracts?
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-cause-cataracts
    Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, eczema, and glaucoma, may increase a persons risk of developing cataracts. However, natural aging is the most common cause. […] Natural eye changes due to aging are the most common cause of cataracts. Certain health conditions may also cause or increase a persons risk of developing them. […] Diseases and health conditions that can cause or contribute to cataracts include the following: […] Diabetes can cause cataracts in several ways. High blood sugar can cause the eyes lens to swell, leading to blurry vision. Over time, high blood sugar can cause structural changes in the lens, making cataracts develop earlier than in people without diabetes. […] Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, may lead to posterior subcapsular cataracts, a common type in younger people. It may also cause plaque to develop in the eye lens, affecting its shape and functioning.
  • #22 What Are The Main Causes of Cataracts?
    https://keywhitman.com/about/blog/2023/june/what-are-the-main-causes-of-cataracts/
    High blood pressure can impact the delicate blood vessels in the eyes. The resulting damage can contribute to the development of cataracts. […] Another significant cause of cataracts is diabetes. Cataracts are more common in those who have been living with diabetes for a long time because the condition causes damage to the eyes lens.
  • #23 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    You get these on the back center of your lens, and they’re often due to genes that are passed down through your family. […] They form on the front and center of your lens and look like small white dots. These cataracts typically don’t bother your vision. […] Vitrectomy is surgery to remove your vitreous, the clear gel at the center of your eye. The operation can help with certain eye problems but may lead to a cataract. […] If you don’t treat a nuclear cataract, it turns very hard and brown. This is called brunescent. […] This is a rare type of cataract that can happen if you have diabetes. It gets worse quickly and forms a gray-white pattern that looks like a snowflake.
  • #24 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #25 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Cataracts are primarily associated with the natural aging process. As we age, proteins in the eyes lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. Aging is the most significant risk factor for cataracts. This process is so common that cataracts are often considered a normal part of aging. […] While age is the primary risk factor for cataract development, several other factors can increase an individuals likelihood of developing cataracts or accelerate their progression: […] Numerous epidemiological studies show a positive association between smoking and cataract formation, with a higher correlation among current smokers and heavy smokers. […] Hypertension has been shown across multiple studies to be a significant risk factor for cataract formation. […] Population based studies found that individuals with diabetes have a threefold to fourfold increased risk of cataract before age 65 years.
  • #26 What Are The Main Causes of Cataracts?
    https://keywhitman.com/about/blog/2023/june/what-are-the-main-causes-of-cataracts/
    High blood pressure can impact the delicate blood vessels in the eyes. The resulting damage can contribute to the development of cataracts. […] Another significant cause of cataracts is diabetes. Cataracts are more common in those who have been living with diabetes for a long time because the condition causes damage to the eyes lens.
  • #27 Cataract Causes | Stanford Health Care
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/eyes-and-vision/cataract/causes.html
    A cataract occurs when the lens inside your eye gets cloudy. Things linked to clouding include: […] Aging. But changes caused by aging don’t always lead to cataracts. […] Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This includes UV light from sunlight, tanning booths, or sun lamps. […] Diabetes, especially when the blood sugar levels are above the safe range. This can cause changes in the eye that can cause cataracts. […] Diseases inside the eye. These include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment, and long-term uveitis. […] Long-term use of steroid medicines. […] Frequent X-rays or radiation treatments to the head. […] Family history. A person may inherit the tendency to get cataracts. […] Vitrectomy. People who have had the vitreous gel removed from their eye (vitrectomy) have a higher risk of cataracts. […] Eye injury. Injury-related cataracts are rare. But injury is a leading cause of cataracts in children. […] Being born with cataracts (congenital). Some children are born with them.
  • #28 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #29
  • #30 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #31 Cataract Causes | Stanford Health Care
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/eyes-and-vision/cataract/causes.html
    A cataract occurs when the lens inside your eye gets cloudy. Things linked to clouding include: […] Aging. But changes caused by aging don’t always lead to cataracts. […] Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This includes UV light from sunlight, tanning booths, or sun lamps. […] Diabetes, especially when the blood sugar levels are above the safe range. This can cause changes in the eye that can cause cataracts. […] Diseases inside the eye. These include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment, and long-term uveitis. […] Long-term use of steroid medicines. […] Frequent X-rays or radiation treatments to the head. […] Family history. A person may inherit the tendency to get cataracts. […] Vitrectomy. People who have had the vitreous gel removed from their eye (vitrectomy) have a higher risk of cataracts. […] Eye injury. Injury-related cataracts are rare. But injury is a leading cause of cataracts in children. […] Being born with cataracts (congenital). Some children are born with them.
  • #32 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #33 Cataracts Causes Santa Rosa CA – Sonoma County
    https://www.see-eci.com/our-services/cataracts/what-causes-cataract/
    Various conditions can speed the rate of cataract growth. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common contributing factors, causing cataracts to form earlier in life than they would have otherwise. […] Any physical trauma experienced by the eye can cause swelling and thickening of the lens on top of a white, clouding effect. […] One of the biggest causes of early-onset cataracts is excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, especially from the sun. […] Some groups of people with excessive exposure to sunlight such as airline pilots are at risk to develop cataracts relatively early in life. […] Lifelong smokers have been shown to develop cataracts at roughly twice the rate of the general population. […] Several metabolic or nutritional diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism, as well as infections that involve the eyes, have shown potential links.
  • #34 Which diseases cause cataracts?
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-cause-cataracts
    Many people with glaucoma also have cataracts. Glaucoma does not cause cataracts, but both are age-related conditions. Long-term steroid use, such as for uveitic glaucoma, can lead to cataracts, and glaucoma surgery may also increase this risk. […] Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects nerve cell tissues. Around 60% of people with neurofibromatosis type 2 also have cataracts. […] Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic condition that affects the muscles. Around 90% of those with the condition develop opacities in the eye that can develop into cortical cataracts. […] Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands underproduce parathyroid hormone, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. This condition causes low levels of calcium in the aqueous humor, which can lead to membrane damage and cataract formation. […] Various medical conditions, such as diabetes, glaucoma, eczema, and others, can contribute to or cause cataracts.
  • #35 Cataract: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Early signs | MedPark Hospital
    https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/cataract
    Cataracts develop due to the denaturation of the proteins in the lens. As we age, proteins degenerate, resulting in a cluster of dense protein clumps forming cataracts, with the lenses becoming opaque. Cataracts are more prevalent in those aged over 60. In addition, cataracts can also result from tissue injuries around the lens or in the eye, an infectious eye disease, and congenital rubella infection in the womb. […] Cataracts can affect both men and women and can affect one or both eyes, but they neither hurt nor irritate the eyes. […] Cataracts are more prevalent in those aged over 60. […] Aging […] Prenatal infections, such as maternal rubella during pregnancy […] Congenital diseases such as galactosemia, prematurity, and hereditary cataract […] Certain diseases, such as arthritis, lupus, and Wilson’s disease
  • #36 Which diseases cause cataracts?
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-cause-cataracts
    Many people with glaucoma also have cataracts. Glaucoma does not cause cataracts, but both are age-related conditions. Long-term steroid use, such as for uveitic glaucoma, can lead to cataracts, and glaucoma surgery may also increase this risk. […] Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects nerve cell tissues. Around 60% of people with neurofibromatosis type 2 also have cataracts. […] Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic condition that affects the muscles. Around 90% of those with the condition develop opacities in the eye that can develop into cortical cataracts. […] Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands underproduce parathyroid hormone, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. This condition causes low levels of calcium in the aqueous humor, which can lead to membrane damage and cataract formation. […] Various medical conditions, such as diabetes, glaucoma, eczema, and others, can contribute to or cause cataracts.
  • #37 Which diseases cause cataracts?
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-cause-cataracts
    Many people with glaucoma also have cataracts. Glaucoma does not cause cataracts, but both are age-related conditions. Long-term steroid use, such as for uveitic glaucoma, can lead to cataracts, and glaucoma surgery may also increase this risk. […] Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects nerve cell tissues. Around 60% of people with neurofibromatosis type 2 also have cataracts. […] Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic condition that affects the muscles. Around 90% of those with the condition develop opacities in the eye that can develop into cortical cataracts. […] Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands underproduce parathyroid hormone, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. This condition causes low levels of calcium in the aqueous humor, which can lead to membrane damage and cataract formation. […] Various medical conditions, such as diabetes, glaucoma, eczema, and others, can contribute to or cause cataracts.
  • #38 Cataracts – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
    Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy. […] Some disorders passed down from parents that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. […] As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Aging and some medical conditions can cause proteins and fibers within the lenses to break down and clump together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses. […] Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: Increasing age. Diabetes. Getting too much sunlight. Smoking. Obesity. Family history of cataracts. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • #39 Causes of Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/causes-cataracts
    Most cataracts happen because of natural changes in your eyes as you get older. […] After age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye naturally start to break down. Most cataracts happen because of these natural changes. […] Doctors and researchers are still studying exactly why cataracts form. They have found some factors other than aging that make cataracts more likely, including: A family history of cataracts, Diabetes, A serious eye injury, Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition, Taking steroids medicines used to treat some health problems, like arthritis or allergies, Radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases. […] Doctors and researchers have also found that some things make cataracts form faster, including: Smoking, Drinking too much alcohol, Spending too much time in the sun, especially without sunglasses.
  • #40 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    The genetic component is strong in the development of cataracts, most commonly through mechanisms that protect and maintain the lens. […] Cigarette smoking has been shown to increase the risk of age-related cataract and nuclear cataract. […] Low vitamin C intake and serum levels have been associated with greater cataract rates. […] Some medications, such as systemic, topical, or inhaled corticosteroids, may increase the risk of cataract development. […] Nearly every person who undergoes a vitrectomy without ever having had cataract surgery will experience progression of nuclear sclerosis after the operation. […] Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can have several side effects, including the long-term development of cataracts.
  • #41 Cataracts: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related
    Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on your eyes lens. Age-related cataracts are the most common type. […] Healthcare providers consider cataracts an inevitable part of aging, and age-related cataracts is the most common form of the condition. […] The main cause of cataracts is the gradual breakdown of proteins in your lens. […] However, certain genetic and environmental factors can raise your risk of developing cataracts or developing them at a younger age compared with others. […] Environmental risk factors include: Air pollution. Tobacco smoke. Alcohol. Industrial chemicals. Pesticides. Long-term exposure to UV light from the sun. History of radiation therapy to the upper part of your body. […] Medical risk factors can that raise your risk for cataracts include: Having diabetes or high blood sugar. Having certain eye surgeries, like glaucoma. Using corticosteroids to treat some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis). Having certain eye diseases, like retina pigmentosa or uveitis. […] A family history of cataracts raises your risk of developing them. Some genetic mutations lead to congenital cataracts (present at birth). When it comes to age-related cataracts, genetic mutations may make your lens more vulnerable to damage from environmental risk factors.
  • #42 Cataracts: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related
    Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on your eyes lens. Age-related cataracts are the most common type. […] Healthcare providers consider cataracts an inevitable part of aging, and age-related cataracts is the most common form of the condition. […] The main cause of cataracts is the gradual breakdown of proteins in your lens. […] However, certain genetic and environmental factors can raise your risk of developing cataracts or developing them at a younger age compared with others. […] Environmental risk factors include: Air pollution. Tobacco smoke. Alcohol. Industrial chemicals. Pesticides. Long-term exposure to UV light from the sun. History of radiation therapy to the upper part of your body. […] Medical risk factors can that raise your risk for cataracts include: Having diabetes or high blood sugar. Having certain eye surgeries, like glaucoma. Using corticosteroids to treat some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis). Having certain eye diseases, like retina pigmentosa or uveitis. […] A family history of cataracts raises your risk of developing them. Some genetic mutations lead to congenital cataracts (present at birth). When it comes to age-related cataracts, genetic mutations may make your lens more vulnerable to damage from environmental risk factors.
  • #43 Cataracts – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
    Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy. […] Some disorders passed down from parents that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. […] As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Aging and some medical conditions can cause proteins and fibers within the lenses to break down and clump together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses. […] Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: Increasing age. Diabetes. Getting too much sunlight. Smoking. Obesity. Family history of cataracts. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • #44 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    These are cataracts that you’re born with or that form when you’re a child. Some are linked to your genes, and others are due to an illness, like rubella, that your mother had during pregnancy. […] Many kinds of injuries can lead to a cataract. You can get one if you’re hit in the eye by a ball or get hurt from a burn, chemical, or splinter. […] When another condition or a medical treatment leads to a cataract, doctors call it secondary. Diabetes, taking steroids like prednisone, and even cataract surgery are possible causes. […] You may know that it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it can take a toll on your eyes, too. You can sometimes get cataracts if you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection. […] This type typically shows up in younger children and in both eyes. The genes that cause them are passed from parent to child.
  • #45 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    You get these on the back center of your lens, and they’re often due to genes that are passed down through your family. […] They form on the front and center of your lens and look like small white dots. These cataracts typically don’t bother your vision. […] Vitrectomy is surgery to remove your vitreous, the clear gel at the center of your eye. The operation can help with certain eye problems but may lead to a cataract. […] If you don’t treat a nuclear cataract, it turns very hard and brown. This is called brunescent. […] This is a rare type of cataract that can happen if you have diabetes. It gets worse quickly and forms a gray-white pattern that looks like a snowflake.
  • #46 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract develops in the affected eye after an incident. A cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Congenital cataracts can occur as unilateral or bilateral isolated findings or may be associated with systemic disease. Most cases associated with systemic disease are bilateral. […] Also known as a „Christmas tree” cataract, polychromatic cataracts consist of highly reflective, iridescent corneal crystals of various colors.
  • #47 Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors | Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
    https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/understanding-cataracts-causes-symptoms-and-risk-factors/
    Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly as they age. […] Understanding the causes of cataracts can help in early detection and prevention. Here are some primary causes: Aging: The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As you age, the proteins in your eyes lens can start to break down and clump together, forming a cloudy area. […] UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts. […] Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of cataracts due to high blood sugar levels affecting the eyes lens. […] Smoking: Tobacco smoke can accelerate the clouding of the lens. […] Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
  • #48 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #49 The Causation and Pathophysiology of Cataracts
    https://www.longdom.org/articles/the-causation-and-pathophysiology-of-cataracts-98212.html
    A cataract is a hazy spot in the eye’s lens that causes visual loss. Cataracts usually grow gradually and might damage one or both eyes. […] Cataracts are most usually caused by ageing, although they can also be caused by trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or develop after eye surgery for other reasons. […] Diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroid medicine, tobacco usage, prolonged sun exposure, and alcohol are all risk factors. […] The underlying mechanism involves the buildup of clumps of protein or yellowbrown pigment in the lens, which limits light transmission to the retina at the rear of the eye. […] The most common cause of cataracts is aging. Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, which is increased by disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. […] Oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor in cataract development. Senile cataracts are related with a reduction in the lens’s antioxidant capability. An increase in oxidative stress or a decrease in the lens’s capacity to remove reactive oxygen species can cause the lens to become more opaque. […] Cataracts can develop as a result of several types of radiation exposure. X-rays, one form of ionizing radiation, may damage the DNA of lens cells. Ultraviolet light, notably UVB, is also believed to produce cataracts.
  • #50 10 Things That Cause Cataracts | Blog | New York Laser Vision
    https://www.nylaservision.com/blog/10-things-that-cause-cataracts/
    Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can harm your eye’s lens and heighten the possibility of developing cataracts. […] Research has revealed a link between obesity and the emergence of cataracts. […] Cataracts can result from blunt or penetrating ocular trauma, chemical burns, electric shock, or exposure to ionizing radiation. […] Long-term alcohol consumption may increase the chance of developing cataracts. […] Certain medications can lead to the development of cataracts in various ways. […] The development of cataracts can be caused by poor nutrition.
  • #51 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #52 Cataracts Causes Santa Rosa CA – Sonoma County
    https://www.see-eci.com/our-services/cataracts/what-causes-cataract/
    Various conditions can speed the rate of cataract growth. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common contributing factors, causing cataracts to form earlier in life than they would have otherwise. […] Any physical trauma experienced by the eye can cause swelling and thickening of the lens on top of a white, clouding effect. […] One of the biggest causes of early-onset cataracts is excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, especially from the sun. […] Some groups of people with excessive exposure to sunlight such as airline pilots are at risk to develop cataracts relatively early in life. […] Lifelong smokers have been shown to develop cataracts at roughly twice the rate of the general population. […] Several metabolic or nutritional diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism, as well as infections that involve the eyes, have shown potential links.
  • #53 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    The genetic component is strong in the development of cataracts, most commonly through mechanisms that protect and maintain the lens. […] Cigarette smoking has been shown to increase the risk of age-related cataract and nuclear cataract. […] Low vitamin C intake and serum levels have been associated with greater cataract rates. […] Some medications, such as systemic, topical, or inhaled corticosteroids, may increase the risk of cataract development. […] Nearly every person who undergoes a vitrectomy without ever having had cataract surgery will experience progression of nuclear sclerosis after the operation. […] Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can have several side effects, including the long-term development of cataracts.
  • #54 Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors | Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
    https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/understanding-cataracts-causes-symptoms-and-risk-factors/
    Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly as they age. […] Understanding the causes of cataracts can help in early detection and prevention. Here are some primary causes: Aging: The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As you age, the proteins in your eyes lens can start to break down and clump together, forming a cloudy area. […] UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts. […] Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of cataracts due to high blood sugar levels affecting the eyes lens. […] Smoking: Tobacco smoke can accelerate the clouding of the lens. […] Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
  • #55 Cataracts Causes Santa Rosa CA – Sonoma County
    https://www.see-eci.com/our-services/cataracts/what-causes-cataract/
    Various conditions can speed the rate of cataract growth. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common contributing factors, causing cataracts to form earlier in life than they would have otherwise. […] Any physical trauma experienced by the eye can cause swelling and thickening of the lens on top of a white, clouding effect. […] One of the biggest causes of early-onset cataracts is excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, especially from the sun. […] Some groups of people with excessive exposure to sunlight such as airline pilots are at risk to develop cataracts relatively early in life. […] Lifelong smokers have been shown to develop cataracts at roughly twice the rate of the general population. […] Several metabolic or nutritional diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism, as well as infections that involve the eyes, have shown potential links.
  • #56 Cataracts Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
    https://www.upmc.com/services/eye/conditions/cataracts
    Cataracts are common as you age. […] Aging and exposure to sunlight can cause cataracts in adults, but eye changes caused by aging don’t always lead to cataracts. […] Risk factors that may increase your chances of developing cataracts as an adult include: Certain medications. Diabetes (persistent high blood sugar glucose levels can damage the eye’s lens). Exposure to ultraviolet light. Eye disease. Eye injury. Family history of cataracts or certain genetic conditions. Long-term use of high doses of steroid medicines, such as for conditions like asthma or emphysema. Older age. Smoking, which can cause chemicals called free radicals to form. High levels of free radicals can damage cells, including those in the eye’s lens. […] If left untreated, cataracts may lead to blindness.
  • #57 What Are The Main Causes of Cataracts?
    https://keywhitman.com/about/blog/2023/june/what-are-the-main-causes-of-cataracts/
    Cataracts are an eye condition where the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision. Without treatment, it can cause complete vision loss. […] While cataracts can develop in anyone, older adults are more likely to develop them due to natural changes in the eye as we age. […] The most common cause is aging. As you age, the proteins in the eyes natural lens break down or clump together, creating a cloudy area. This cloudiness gradually increases, making it difficult to see. […] Smoking has been linked as a significant cause of many health conditions. Smoking exposes your eyes to toxins that can damage the lens over time, leading to the formation of cataracts. […] Exposure to UV light can also be a cause of cataracts. Too much UV light is damaging to the eyes and can lead to the formation of cataracts.
  • #58 10 Things That Cause Cataracts | Blog | New York Laser Vision
    https://www.nylaservision.com/blog/10-things-that-cause-cataracts/
    Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, causing a cloudy lens and vision problems. They can worsen over time and may require surgery. Aging is the primary cause, but other factors can also increase the chances of developing them. […] As previously stated, cataracts are most commonly caused by age. As we age, the proteins in our eye lenses can cluster and create a cataract. […] If your parents or grandparents had cataracts, you may also be at risk of developing them. Cataracts can be inherited, and specific genes have been associated with their development. […] Individuals with diabetes have a greater chance of developing cataracts due to the high levels of blood sugar associated with diabetes. […] The proteins in the lens are susceptible to damage due to smoking, and the body’s antioxidants that safeguard the lens from harm are diminished.
  • #59 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Cataracts are primarily associated with the natural aging process. As we age, proteins in the eyes lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. Aging is the most significant risk factor for cataracts. This process is so common that cataracts are often considered a normal part of aging. […] While age is the primary risk factor for cataract development, several other factors can increase an individuals likelihood of developing cataracts or accelerate their progression: […] Numerous epidemiological studies show a positive association between smoking and cataract formation, with a higher correlation among current smokers and heavy smokers. […] Hypertension has been shown across multiple studies to be a significant risk factor for cataract formation. […] Population based studies found that individuals with diabetes have a threefold to fourfold increased risk of cataract before age 65 years.
  • #60 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Cataracts are primarily associated with the natural aging process. As we age, proteins in the eyes lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. Aging is the most significant risk factor for cataracts. This process is so common that cataracts are often considered a normal part of aging. […] While age is the primary risk factor for cataract development, several other factors can increase an individuals likelihood of developing cataracts or accelerate their progression: […] Numerous epidemiological studies show a positive association between smoking and cataract formation, with a higher correlation among current smokers and heavy smokers. […] Hypertension has been shown across multiple studies to be a significant risk factor for cataract formation. […] Population based studies found that individuals with diabetes have a threefold to fourfold increased risk of cataract before age 65 years.
  • #61 Cataracts – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
    Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy. […] Some disorders passed down from parents that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. […] As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Aging and some medical conditions can cause proteins and fibers within the lenses to break down and clump together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses. […] Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: Increasing age. Diabetes. Getting too much sunlight. Smoking. Obesity. Family history of cataracts. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • #62 Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors | Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
    https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/understanding-cataracts-causes-symptoms-and-risk-factors/
    Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly as they age. […] Understanding the causes of cataracts can help in early detection and prevention. Here are some primary causes: Aging: The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As you age, the proteins in your eyes lens can start to break down and clump together, forming a cloudy area. […] UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts. […] Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of cataracts due to high blood sugar levels affecting the eyes lens. […] Smoking: Tobacco smoke can accelerate the clouding of the lens. […] Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
  • #63 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Certain medications have been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts. […] While moderate alcohol consumption was not shown to impact the risk of cataracts, studies indicate that there is a significant increase in cataract risk with those that had a high alcohol intake (2 drinks or more per day). […] Individuals with a family history of cataracts may be at higher risk of developing them earlier in life. […] While the link between diet, exercise, and cataracts is not fully understood, a study of 27 thousand non-diabetic adults showed a significantly lower incidence of cataracts in participants that followed healthy eating and exercise lifestyles. […] Myopia, or nearsightedness, may increase the risk of cataracts, especially nuclear and posterior subcapsular types. […] Postmenopausal women may benefit from estrogens potential protective role against cataracts, though its effect is modest.
  • #64 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Certain medications have been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts. […] While moderate alcohol consumption was not shown to impact the risk of cataracts, studies indicate that there is a significant increase in cataract risk with those that had a high alcohol intake (2 drinks or more per day). […] Individuals with a family history of cataracts may be at higher risk of developing them earlier in life. […] While the link between diet, exercise, and cataracts is not fully understood, a study of 27 thousand non-diabetic adults showed a significantly lower incidence of cataracts in participants that followed healthy eating and exercise lifestyles. […] Myopia, or nearsightedness, may increase the risk of cataracts, especially nuclear and posterior subcapsular types. […] Postmenopausal women may benefit from estrogens potential protective role against cataracts, though its effect is modest.
  • #65 Cataract: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment Options
    https://www.dragarwal.com/diseases-conditions/cataract/
    Steroid Use: Long-term use of corticosteroids can accelerate cataract formation. […] Smoking and Alcohol: Both habits contribute to oxidative damage in the eye and increase the risk of cataracts. […] One of the biggest reasons or causes of cataract is injury or aging. In both the cases, there is a change in the tissue that forms the cataract in lens of the eye. […] Genetic or inherent disorders can also increase the risk of developing cataract. In addition, many other eye conditions can also cause eye cataract like diabetes, past eye surgeries, use of steroids or harsh medications.
  • #66 Causes of Cataract: Understanding the Risk Factors and Prevention
    https://www.centreforsight.net/blog/reasons-for-cataract
    Genetics play a crucial role in the formation of cataracts. Individuals with a family history of cataracts may be more susceptible to developing the condition at an earlier age. Some congenital cataracts are even present at birth due to inherited genetic mutations. […] Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can accelerate the clouding of the lens. UV radiation damages proteins and fibers within the lens, contributing to the gradual formation of cataracts. […] Smoking introduces harmful toxins into the body, leading to oxidative stress and damage to the eyes lens. Long-term smokers have an increased risk of developing cataracts. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to cataract formation due to its dehydrating effects and impact on lens protein stability.
  • #67 Cataracts: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related
    Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on your eyes lens. Age-related cataracts are the most common type. […] Healthcare providers consider cataracts an inevitable part of aging, and age-related cataracts is the most common form of the condition. […] The main cause of cataracts is the gradual breakdown of proteins in your lens. […] However, certain genetic and environmental factors can raise your risk of developing cataracts or developing them at a younger age compared with others. […] Environmental risk factors include: Air pollution. Tobacco smoke. Alcohol. Industrial chemicals. Pesticides. Long-term exposure to UV light from the sun. History of radiation therapy to the upper part of your body. […] Medical risk factors can that raise your risk for cataracts include: Having diabetes or high blood sugar. Having certain eye surgeries, like glaucoma. Using corticosteroids to treat some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis). Having certain eye diseases, like retina pigmentosa or uveitis. […] A family history of cataracts raises your risk of developing them. Some genetic mutations lead to congenital cataracts (present at birth). When it comes to age-related cataracts, genetic mutations may make your lens more vulnerable to damage from environmental risk factors.
  • #68
  • #69 Cataracts: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related
    Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on your eyes lens. Age-related cataracts are the most common type. […] Healthcare providers consider cataracts an inevitable part of aging, and age-related cataracts is the most common form of the condition. […] The main cause of cataracts is the gradual breakdown of proteins in your lens. […] However, certain genetic and environmental factors can raise your risk of developing cataracts or developing them at a younger age compared with others. […] Environmental risk factors include: Air pollution. Tobacco smoke. Alcohol. Industrial chemicals. Pesticides. Long-term exposure to UV light from the sun. History of radiation therapy to the upper part of your body. […] Medical risk factors can that raise your risk for cataracts include: Having diabetes or high blood sugar. Having certain eye surgeries, like glaucoma. Using corticosteroids to treat some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis). Having certain eye diseases, like retina pigmentosa or uveitis. […] A family history of cataracts raises your risk of developing them. Some genetic mutations lead to congenital cataracts (present at birth). When it comes to age-related cataracts, genetic mutations may make your lens more vulnerable to damage from environmental risk factors.
  • #70 Cataracts: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related
    Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on your eyes lens. Age-related cataracts are the most common type. […] Healthcare providers consider cataracts an inevitable part of aging, and age-related cataracts is the most common form of the condition. […] The main cause of cataracts is the gradual breakdown of proteins in your lens. […] However, certain genetic and environmental factors can raise your risk of developing cataracts or developing them at a younger age compared with others. […] Environmental risk factors include: Air pollution. Tobacco smoke. Alcohol. Industrial chemicals. Pesticides. Long-term exposure to UV light from the sun. History of radiation therapy to the upper part of your body. […] Medical risk factors can that raise your risk for cataracts include: Having diabetes or high blood sugar. Having certain eye surgeries, like glaucoma. Using corticosteroids to treat some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis). Having certain eye diseases, like retina pigmentosa or uveitis. […] A family history of cataracts raises your risk of developing them. Some genetic mutations lead to congenital cataracts (present at birth). When it comes to age-related cataracts, genetic mutations may make your lens more vulnerable to damage from environmental risk factors.
  • #71 Causes of Cataract: Understanding the Risk Factors and Prevention
    https://www.centreforsight.net/blog/reasons-for-cataract
    Frequent exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and radiation therapy, can lead to cataract formation. Additionally, air pollutants and industrial chemicals may contribute to oxidative stress, impacting lens clarity. […] Major eye cataract causes of cataract include aging, exposure to UV radiation, diabetes, smoking, and certain medications. […] The four main eye cataract causes of cataracts are age-related changes in the lens, exposure to UV radiation, diabetes, and genetic predisposition. […] Cataracts primarily form due to aging, UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, and prolonged use of corticosteroids. […] Cataracts worsen due to continued exposure to risk factors like sunlight, smoking, poor diet, and lack of proper eye care. […] The main cause of cataracts in younger individuals is genetics, diabetes, eye injuries, and certain medications.
  • #72 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #73 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract develops in the affected eye after an incident. A cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Congenital cataracts can occur as unilateral or bilateral isolated findings or may be associated with systemic disease. Most cases associated with systemic disease are bilateral. […] Also known as a „Christmas tree” cataract, polychromatic cataracts consist of highly reflective, iridescent corneal crystals of various colors.
  • #74 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #75 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #76 Causes Of Cataracts | Understanding What Causes Cataracts
    https://bestcataractsurgeons.com/causes-of-cataracts/
    This article explores the many different causes of cataracts. […] Cataracts form when proteins in the eye’s natural lens degrade over time, causing the lens to become cloudy and impair vision. This process occurs naturally with aging, and also can be accelerated by several factors such as UV exposure, diabetes, certain medications like corticosteroids, and physical eye trauma. […] By far the most common reason for cataract development is due to advancing age. […] The most common medication that causes cataracts are oral, intravenous, and inhaled steroids. […] Blunt forces to the eye or surrounding face can cause a special type of traumatic cataract called a “stellate cataract”. […] The list of medical conditions that can cause a cataract is extensive, but the most common medical condition that causes cataracts is diabetes. […] There are a variety of metabolic disorders that can result in early cataracts. […] In rare circumstances an infant can be born with cataracts, these are called congenital cataracts. […] Yes. According to the FDA’s website, smoking cigarettes can, in fact, cause cataracts.
  • #77 Common Causes Of Cataracts: Find Out If You’re At Risk
    https://www.berkeleyeye.com/blog/what-can-cause-cataracts-houston
    Exposure to UVB radiation over a long period of time can change the lens of the eye and cause cataracts. […] The use of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for a prolonged period of time has been known to cause cataracts. […] Certain systemic diseases can lead to an increased risk of cataract formation. […] People who suffer from a condition known as uveitis, or chronic eye inflammation, also face a much higher risk for developing cataracts. […] Another contributing factor is trauma to the eye due to injuries. Previous trauma or injuries can cause cataracts in some cases up to 20 years after the event.
  • #78 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    The genetic component is strong in the development of cataracts, most commonly through mechanisms that protect and maintain the lens. […] Cigarette smoking has been shown to increase the risk of age-related cataract and nuclear cataract. […] Low vitamin C intake and serum levels have been associated with greater cataract rates. […] Some medications, such as systemic, topical, or inhaled corticosteroids, may increase the risk of cataract development. […] Nearly every person who undergoes a vitrectomy without ever having had cataract surgery will experience progression of nuclear sclerosis after the operation. […] Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can have several side effects, including the long-term development of cataracts.
  • #79 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    You get these on the back center of your lens, and they’re often due to genes that are passed down through your family. […] They form on the front and center of your lens and look like small white dots. These cataracts typically don’t bother your vision. […] Vitrectomy is surgery to remove your vitreous, the clear gel at the center of your eye. The operation can help with certain eye problems but may lead to a cataract. […] If you don’t treat a nuclear cataract, it turns very hard and brown. This is called brunescent. […] This is a rare type of cataract that can happen if you have diabetes. It gets worse quickly and forms a gray-white pattern that looks like a snowflake.
  • #80 Which diseases cause cataracts?
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-cause-cataracts
    Many people with glaucoma also have cataracts. Glaucoma does not cause cataracts, but both are age-related conditions. Long-term steroid use, such as for uveitic glaucoma, can lead to cataracts, and glaucoma surgery may also increase this risk. […] Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects nerve cell tissues. Around 60% of people with neurofibromatosis type 2 also have cataracts. […] Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic condition that affects the muscles. Around 90% of those with the condition develop opacities in the eye that can develop into cortical cataracts. […] Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands underproduce parathyroid hormone, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. This condition causes low levels of calcium in the aqueous humor, which can lead to membrane damage and cataract formation. […] Various medical conditions, such as diabetes, glaucoma, eczema, and others, can contribute to or cause cataracts.
  • #81
  • #82 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #83 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #84 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract develops in the affected eye after an incident. A cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Congenital cataracts can occur as unilateral or bilateral isolated findings or may be associated with systemic disease. Most cases associated with systemic disease are bilateral. […] Also known as a „Christmas tree” cataract, polychromatic cataracts consist of highly reflective, iridescent corneal crystals of various colors.
  • #85 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    These are cataracts that you’re born with or that form when you’re a child. Some are linked to your genes, and others are due to an illness, like rubella, that your mother had during pregnancy. […] Many kinds of injuries can lead to a cataract. You can get one if you’re hit in the eye by a ball or get hurt from a burn, chemical, or splinter. […] When another condition or a medical treatment leads to a cataract, doctors call it secondary. Diabetes, taking steroids like prednisone, and even cataract surgery are possible causes. […] You may know that it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it can take a toll on your eyes, too. You can sometimes get cataracts if you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection. […] This type typically shows up in younger children and in both eyes. The genes that cause them are passed from parent to child.
  • #86 Cataracts – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
    Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy. […] Some disorders passed down from parents that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. […] As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Aging and some medical conditions can cause proteins and fibers within the lenses to break down and clump together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses. […] Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: Increasing age. Diabetes. Getting too much sunlight. Smoking. Obesity. Family history of cataracts. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • #87 Causes of Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/causes-cataracts
    Most cataracts happen because of natural changes in your eyes as you get older. […] After age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye naturally start to break down. Most cataracts happen because of these natural changes. […] Doctors and researchers are still studying exactly why cataracts form. They have found some factors other than aging that make cataracts more likely, including: A family history of cataracts, Diabetes, A serious eye injury, Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition, Taking steroids medicines used to treat some health problems, like arthritis or allergies, Radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases. […] Doctors and researchers have also found that some things make cataracts form faster, including: Smoking, Drinking too much alcohol, Spending too much time in the sun, especially without sunglasses.
  • #88 Cataract – adult Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/cataract-adult
    A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. […] As a person ages, proteins in the lens begin to break down. This makes the lens less flexible so that it is harder to focus on near objects. Over time, the lens becomes cloudy. What the eye sees may appear blurry at all distances. This condition is known as a cataract. […] Factors that may speed cataract formation are: Diabetes, Eye inflammation, Eye injury, Family history of cataracts, Long-term use of corticosteroids (taken by mouth) or certain other medicines, Radiation exposure, Smoking, Surgery for another eye problem, Too much exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight). […] The best prevention involves controlling diseases that increase the risk for a cataract. Avoiding exposure to things that promote cataract formation can also help. For example, if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Also, when outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
  • #89
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts
    A cataract is when your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy or less colorful. […] The definition of a cataract is a cloudy lens in the eye, whatever the cause may be. […] Aging is the most common cause. This is due to normal eye changes that begin to happen after age 40. That is when normal proteins in the lens start to break down. This is what causes the lens to get cloudy. People over age 60 usually start to have some clouding of their lenses. However, vision problems may not happen until years later. […] Other reasons you may get cataracts include: having parents, brothers, sisters, or other family members who have cataracts; having certain medical problems, such as diabetes; having had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body; having spent a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays; using certain medications such as corticosteroids, which may cause early formation of cataracts; smoking. […] Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. Other cataracts can develop more quickly, such as those in younger people or those in people with diabetes. Doctors cannot predict how quickly a persons cataract will develop.
  • #90
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts
    A cataract is when your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy or less colorful. […] The definition of a cataract is a cloudy lens in the eye, whatever the cause may be. […] Aging is the most common cause. This is due to normal eye changes that begin to happen after age 40. That is when normal proteins in the lens start to break down. This is what causes the lens to get cloudy. People over age 60 usually start to have some clouding of their lenses. However, vision problems may not happen until years later. […] Other reasons you may get cataracts include: having parents, brothers, sisters, or other family members who have cataracts; having certain medical problems, such as diabetes; having had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body; having spent a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays; using certain medications such as corticosteroids, which may cause early formation of cataracts; smoking. […] Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. Other cataracts can develop more quickly, such as those in younger people or those in people with diabetes. Doctors cannot predict how quickly a persons cataract will develop.
  • #91 Common Causes of Cataracts | Mann Eye
    https://www.manneye.com/uncategorized/common-causes-of-cataracts/
    High blood pressure or congenital heart defects […] Excessive alcohol consumption or tobacco use […] Overexposure to sunlight or artificial UV lights (tanning beds) […] Having a genetic history or family history of cataracts […] Being overweight […] Using corticosteroid especially in eye-drop form over an extended period of time.
  • #92 Causes of Cataract: Understanding the Risk Factors and Prevention
    https://www.centreforsight.net/blog/reasons-for-cataract
    People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts due to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, excess glucose in the bloodstream can cause structural changes in the lens, leading to diabetic cataracts. […] Direct trauma to the eye, whether from an accident, sports injury, or surgical procedure, can lead to cataract formation. Traumatic cataracts can develop immediately after an injury or may take years to manifest. […] Corticosteroids, commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions, can accelerate cataract formation when used for extended periods. Prolonged use of steroid medications increases the risk of developing posterior subcapsular cataracts. […] Poor diet and lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants can contribute to cataract development. A diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain eye health.
  • #93 Causes of Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/causes-cataracts
    Most cataracts happen because of natural changes in your eyes as you get older. […] After age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye naturally start to break down. Most cataracts happen because of these natural changes. […] Doctors and researchers are still studying exactly why cataracts form. They have found some factors other than aging that make cataracts more likely, including: A family history of cataracts, Diabetes, A serious eye injury, Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition, Taking steroids medicines used to treat some health problems, like arthritis or allergies, Radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases. […] Doctors and researchers have also found that some things make cataracts form faster, including: Smoking, Drinking too much alcohol, Spending too much time in the sun, especially without sunglasses.
  • #94
  • #95 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis – MedBroadcast.com
    https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/cataracts
    Cataracts are a condition where the lens (a part of the eye that focuses light) becomes cloudy. […] Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. A few people are born with congenital cataracts, which usually affect both eyes. […] The following factors can add to the risk of developing cataracts: Exposure to sunlight increases the risk of senile cataracts. Radiation from the sun, especially ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, damages the proteins in the lens. […] Cigarette smoke damages the proteins in the lens. […] Lack of some vitamins and other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium, beta-carotene, and lycopene has been shown by research to be linked to cataracts. […] Poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure. […] Certain medications can also cause cataracts, including statins (a class of medications that reduce cholesterol) and corticosteroids such as prednisone that are used to reduce inflammation.
  • #96 Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
    https://www.health.com/cataracts-overview-7376241
    Primarily, cataracts are the natural result of aging. As you get older, your body starts to lose its ability to remove waste and toxins and repair cells. In the lens of the eye, this natural progress causes the structure of the crystallins to be affected, and cataracts form. Genetics and other health factors or diseases may induce this process. […] Alongside older age, certain diseases, health conditions, and other factors increase your chances of developing cataracts. These include: Type 2 diabetes, Family history of cataracts, Being assigned female at birth, Taking corticosteroids, such as cortisone or Prednisone Intensol (prednisone), Taking phenothiazine medications, especially Thorazine (chlorpromazine), Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, Smoking, Alcohol use.
  • #97 What Causes Cataracts? | Cincinnati Eye Institute
    https://www.cincinnatieye.com/eye-conditions/cataracts/what-causes-cataracts/
    Radiation exposure radiation exposure can cause an increase risk in the development of cataracts, especially for those who work outdoors for a living without wearing protective eye gear. […] Diabetes patients diagnosed with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts than those who do not have the condition. […] Congenital conditions conditions such as Trisomy 18, Alports syndrome, and Turners syndrome can result in the development of cataracts in newborns. […] Medications pharmaceuticals that are taken for an extended period of time can also contribute to cataracts, especially long-term use of corticosteroids and the cholesterol-lowering medication known as ezetimibe.
  • #98 Cataract Causes and Diagnoses | Northwestern Medicine
    https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/ophthalmology/cataract/causes-and-diagnoses
    The main cause of cataracts is aging. Other factors that put you at risk of developing a cataract include: Genetic predisposition […] Diabetes and other metabolic diseases […] Long-term use of corticosteroids, diuretics and tranquilizers […] Trauma to the eye […] Previous eye surgery […] Excessive exposure to sunlight […] Living at high altitude […] Chronic eye inflammation […] Smoking.
  • #99 Cataract Causes and Diagnoses | Northwestern Medicine
    https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/ophthalmology/cataract/causes-and-diagnoses
    The main cause of cataracts is aging. Other factors that put you at risk of developing a cataract include: Genetic predisposition […] Diabetes and other metabolic diseases […] Long-term use of corticosteroids, diuretics and tranquilizers […] Trauma to the eye […] Previous eye surgery […] Excessive exposure to sunlight […] Living at high altitude […] Chronic eye inflammation […] Smoking.
  • #100 Causes of Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/causes-cataracts
    Most cataracts happen because of natural changes in your eyes as you get older. […] After age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye naturally start to break down. Most cataracts happen because of these natural changes. […] Doctors and researchers are still studying exactly why cataracts form. They have found some factors other than aging that make cataracts more likely, including: A family history of cataracts, Diabetes, A serious eye injury, Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition, Taking steroids medicines used to treat some health problems, like arthritis or allergies, Radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases. […] Doctors and researchers have also found that some things make cataracts form faster, including: Smoking, Drinking too much alcohol, Spending too much time in the sun, especially without sunglasses.
  • #101
  • #102 The Causation and Pathophysiology of Cataracts
    https://www.longdom.org/articles/the-causation-and-pathophysiology-of-cataracts-98212.html
    A cataract is a hazy spot in the eye’s lens that causes visual loss. Cataracts usually grow gradually and might damage one or both eyes. […] Cataracts are most usually caused by ageing, although they can also be caused by trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or develop after eye surgery for other reasons. […] Diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroid medicine, tobacco usage, prolonged sun exposure, and alcohol are all risk factors. […] The underlying mechanism involves the buildup of clumps of protein or yellowbrown pigment in the lens, which limits light transmission to the retina at the rear of the eye. […] The most common cause of cataracts is aging. Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, which is increased by disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. […] Oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor in cataract development. Senile cataracts are related with a reduction in the lens’s antioxidant capability. An increase in oxidative stress or a decrease in the lens’s capacity to remove reactive oxygen species can cause the lens to become more opaque. […] Cataracts can develop as a result of several types of radiation exposure. X-rays, one form of ionizing radiation, may damage the DNA of lens cells. Ultraviolet light, notably UVB, is also believed to produce cataracts.
  • #103 Cataract Causes | Stanford Health Care
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/eyes-and-vision/cataract/causes.html
    A cataract occurs when the lens inside your eye gets cloudy. Things linked to clouding include: […] Aging. But changes caused by aging don’t always lead to cataracts. […] Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This includes UV light from sunlight, tanning booths, or sun lamps. […] Diabetes, especially when the blood sugar levels are above the safe range. This can cause changes in the eye that can cause cataracts. […] Diseases inside the eye. These include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment, and long-term uveitis. […] Long-term use of steroid medicines. […] Frequent X-rays or radiation treatments to the head. […] Family history. A person may inherit the tendency to get cataracts. […] Vitrectomy. People who have had the vitreous gel removed from their eye (vitrectomy) have a higher risk of cataracts. […] Eye injury. Injury-related cataracts are rare. But injury is a leading cause of cataracts in children. […] Being born with cataracts (congenital). Some children are born with them.
  • #104 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    The genetic component is strong in the development of cataracts, most commonly through mechanisms that protect and maintain the lens. […] Cigarette smoking has been shown to increase the risk of age-related cataract and nuclear cataract. […] Low vitamin C intake and serum levels have been associated with greater cataract rates. […] Some medications, such as systemic, topical, or inhaled corticosteroids, may increase the risk of cataract development. […] Nearly every person who undergoes a vitrectomy without ever having had cataract surgery will experience progression of nuclear sclerosis after the operation. […] Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can have several side effects, including the long-term development of cataracts.
  • #105 Cataracts – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
    Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy. […] Some disorders passed down from parents that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. […] As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Aging and some medical conditions can cause proteins and fibers within the lenses to break down and clump together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses. […] Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include: Increasing age. Diabetes. Getting too much sunlight. Smoking. Obesity. Family history of cataracts. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • #106 Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors | Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
    https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/understanding-cataracts-causes-symptoms-and-risk-factors/
    Trauma: Eye injuries can sometimes lead to the development of cataracts. […] Certain Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids and other medications can contribute to cataract formation. […] Genetics: A family history of cataracts can increase your likelihood of developing the condition. […] While anyone can develop cataracts, certain factors can increase your risk. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures: Age: People over 60 are at a higher risk. […] Sun Exposure: Without adequate eye protection, UV rays can damage the eyes lens. […] Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and hypertension can elevate the risk. […] Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant risk factors. […] Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet lacking in antioxidants and certain vitamins can increase cataract risk. […] Obesity: Being overweight can contribute to cataract formation. […] Previous Eye Surgery or Injury: These can make you more susceptible to cataracts. […] Genetics: A family history of cataracts can predispose you to the condition.
  • #107 Understanding The 8 Common Causes Of Cataracts
    https://spectraeyemu.com/blog/causes-of-cataracts.php
    Aging is the primary cause of cataracts, and it’s very natural for an old person to get affected by cataracts. […] Long-term UV exposure without glasses or specs is one of the causes of cataracts. […] People who are currently facing diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts. […] Smoking is one of the serious causes of cataracts, as tobacco chemicals trigger eye tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. […] Genetics can be another cause of cataracts, especially if they’re prevalent in your family. […] Injuries to the eyes, no matter how small, can speed up cataract formation by disrupting the delicate eye balance. […] Obesity and high blood pressure contribute to cataracts by affecting the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately accelerating the formation of cloudy lenses.
  • #108 Understanding The 8 Common Causes Of Cataracts
    https://spectraeyemu.com/blog/causes-of-cataracts.php
    Aging is the primary cause of cataracts, and it’s very natural for an old person to get affected by cataracts. […] Long-term UV exposure without glasses or specs is one of the causes of cataracts. […] People who are currently facing diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts. […] Smoking is one of the serious causes of cataracts, as tobacco chemicals trigger eye tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. […] Genetics can be another cause of cataracts, especially if they’re prevalent in your family. […] Injuries to the eyes, no matter how small, can speed up cataract formation by disrupting the delicate eye balance. […] Obesity and high blood pressure contribute to cataracts by affecting the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately accelerating the formation of cloudy lenses.
  • #109 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Cataracts are most commonly due to aging but may also occur due to trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems. […] Risk factors include diabetes, longstanding use of corticosteroid medication, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol. […] In addition to these, poor nutrition, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases have been recognized in various studies as contributing to the development of cataracts. […] Cataract formation is primarily driven by oxidative stress, which damages lens proteins, leading to their aggregation and the accumulation of clumps of protein or yellow-brown pigment in the lens. […] Age is the most common cause of cataracts. […] Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, and this process is accelerated by diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
  • #110 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Certain medications have been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts. […] While moderate alcohol consumption was not shown to impact the risk of cataracts, studies indicate that there is a significant increase in cataract risk with those that had a high alcohol intake (2 drinks or more per day). […] Individuals with a family history of cataracts may be at higher risk of developing them earlier in life. […] While the link between diet, exercise, and cataracts is not fully understood, a study of 27 thousand non-diabetic adults showed a significantly lower incidence of cataracts in participants that followed healthy eating and exercise lifestyles. […] Myopia, or nearsightedness, may increase the risk of cataracts, especially nuclear and posterior subcapsular types. […] Postmenopausal women may benefit from estrogens potential protective role against cataracts, though its effect is modest.
  • #111 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    The genetic component is strong in the development of cataracts, most commonly through mechanisms that protect and maintain the lens. […] Cigarette smoking has been shown to increase the risk of age-related cataract and nuclear cataract. […] Low vitamin C intake and serum levels have been associated with greater cataract rates. […] Some medications, such as systemic, topical, or inhaled corticosteroids, may increase the risk of cataract development. […] Nearly every person who undergoes a vitrectomy without ever having had cataract surgery will experience progression of nuclear sclerosis after the operation. […] Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can have several side effects, including the long-term development of cataracts.
  • #112 Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors | Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
    https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/understanding-cataracts-causes-symptoms-and-risk-factors/
    Trauma: Eye injuries can sometimes lead to the development of cataracts. […] Certain Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids and other medications can contribute to cataract formation. […] Genetics: A family history of cataracts can increase your likelihood of developing the condition. […] While anyone can develop cataracts, certain factors can increase your risk. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures: Age: People over 60 are at a higher risk. […] Sun Exposure: Without adequate eye protection, UV rays can damage the eyes lens. […] Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and hypertension can elevate the risk. […] Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant risk factors. […] Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet lacking in antioxidants and certain vitamins can increase cataract risk. […] Obesity: Being overweight can contribute to cataract formation. […] Previous Eye Surgery or Injury: These can make you more susceptible to cataracts. […] Genetics: A family history of cataracts can predispose you to the condition.
  • #113 What is the Main Cause of a Cataract? | Dakota Eye Institute | Bismarck
    https://www.dakotaeye.com/blog-post/what-is-the-main-cause-of-a-cataract/
    Many eye diseases not only progress with age, but age is often the root cause behind the onset of serious eye conditions, including cataracts. The main cause of a cataract is due to age with 90% of people developing a cataract by age 65. Other cataract risk factors that may speed up cataract development include lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption and use of corticosteroids), overexposure (to sunlight, UV rays and X-rays), nutritional deficiencies (low levels of antioxidants as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and carotenoids), eye trauma (eye-related injuries or burns) and diseases (glaucoma, diabetes, hypothyroidism or an autoimmune disorder). […] Developing cataracts comes with aging, but there are 3 significant ways to help protect your eye health and slow the progression.
  • #114 Causes of Cataract: Understanding the Risk Factors and Prevention
    https://www.centreforsight.net/blog/reasons-for-cataract
    People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts due to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, excess glucose in the bloodstream can cause structural changes in the lens, leading to diabetic cataracts. […] Direct trauma to the eye, whether from an accident, sports injury, or surgical procedure, can lead to cataract formation. Traumatic cataracts can develop immediately after an injury or may take years to manifest. […] Corticosteroids, commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions, can accelerate cataract formation when used for extended periods. Prolonged use of steroid medications increases the risk of developing posterior subcapsular cataracts. […] Poor diet and lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants can contribute to cataract development. A diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain eye health.
  • #115 Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://patient.info/eye-care/cataracts
    There are some uncommon causes of cataracts: A cataract may develop after an injury to an eye, or as a result of radiation exposure. Using steroid drops in the eye over a prolonged period increases the likelihood of developing a cataract. Cataracts sometimes develop as a complication of some other eye conditions. For example, there is an increased risk of cataracts in people who have diabetes. […] Some studies have raised the possibility that cataract formation might relate to diet, with the thought that eating less meat or increasing intake of antioxidant vitamins might be helpful.
  • #116 Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    https://windsor.refocuseyedoctors.com/services/cataracts/cataracts-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
    Certain medications have been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts. […] While moderate alcohol consumption was not shown to impact the risk of cataracts, studies indicate that there is a significant increase in cataract risk with those that had a high alcohol intake (2 drinks or more per day). […] Individuals with a family history of cataracts may be at higher risk of developing them earlier in life. […] While the link between diet, exercise, and cataracts is not fully understood, a study of 27 thousand non-diabetic adults showed a significantly lower incidence of cataracts in participants that followed healthy eating and exercise lifestyles. […] Myopia, or nearsightedness, may increase the risk of cataracts, especially nuclear and posterior subcapsular types. […] Postmenopausal women may benefit from estrogens potential protective role against cataracts, though its effect is modest.
  • #117 Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://patient.info/eye-care/cataracts
    A cataract is a condition in which the lens of an eye becomes cloudy and affects vision. Most commonly, cataracts occur in older people, and they usually develop gradually. […] The cataract begins with a change to the structure of the proteins in the lens. Some of the proteins clump together in places within the lens. This causes tiny areas of cloudiness. Each tiny area of cloudiness blocks a bit of light getting through to the retina. The severity of the cataract depends on the number of areas of cloudiness that develop in the affected lens. […] Factors that may increase the risk of developing cataracts include: Having a poor diet. Smoking. Diabetes. Steroid medicines. Having a family history of cataracts. Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources. High blood pressure (hypertension). Obesity. Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Significant alcohol consumption. Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a prolonged period (more than ten years). Severe short-sightedness (high myopia).
  • #118 Cataract: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Early signs | MedPark Hospital
    https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/cataract
    Cataracts develop due to the denaturation of the proteins in the lens. As we age, proteins degenerate, resulting in a cluster of dense protein clumps forming cataracts, with the lenses becoming opaque. Cataracts are more prevalent in those aged over 60. In addition, cataracts can also result from tissue injuries around the lens or in the eye, an infectious eye disease, and congenital rubella infection in the womb. […] Cataracts can affect both men and women and can affect one or both eyes, but they neither hurt nor irritate the eyes. […] Cataracts are more prevalent in those aged over 60. […] Aging […] Prenatal infections, such as maternal rubella during pregnancy […] Congenital diseases such as galactosemia, prematurity, and hereditary cataract […] Certain diseases, such as arthritis, lupus, and Wilson’s disease
  • #119 Common Causes of Cataracts | Mann Eye
    https://www.manneye.com/uncategorized/common-causes-of-cataracts/
    Cataracts refer to the cloudy occlusion of the eyes natural lens. Although cataracts occur most often in the elderly, anyone, at any age, can develop a cataract. A cataract forms when the lens becomes thicker, more rigid and exceedingly opaque. Incoming light is no longer able to focus onto the retina properly, resulting in loss of vision. A secondary cataract may form after surgery or experiencing other eye health problems. This type of cataract is commonly found in those with diabetes, eye injury, glaucoma or other metabolic disorders. A traumatic cataract develops after traumatic injury to the eye. When someone is born with a cataract, the cataract is referred to as a congenital cataract. Exposure to radiation may also induce the formation of a cataract, known as a radiation cataract. Certain lifestyle choices or health problems may increase the chance of developing a cataract: Diabetes, kidney disease, endocrine disorders or another metabolic condition
  • #120 Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://patient.info/eye-care/cataracts
    A cataract is a condition in which the lens of an eye becomes cloudy and affects vision. Most commonly, cataracts occur in older people, and they usually develop gradually. […] The cataract begins with a change to the structure of the proteins in the lens. Some of the proteins clump together in places within the lens. This causes tiny areas of cloudiness. Each tiny area of cloudiness blocks a bit of light getting through to the retina. The severity of the cataract depends on the number of areas of cloudiness that develop in the affected lens. […] Factors that may increase the risk of developing cataracts include: Having a poor diet. Smoking. Diabetes. Steroid medicines. Having a family history of cataracts. Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources. High blood pressure (hypertension). Obesity. Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol. Previous eye injury or inflammation. Previous eye surgery. Significant alcohol consumption. Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a prolonged period (more than ten years). Severe short-sightedness (high myopia).
  • #121 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    These are cataracts that you’re born with or that form when you’re a child. Some are linked to your genes, and others are due to an illness, like rubella, that your mother had during pregnancy. […] Many kinds of injuries can lead to a cataract. You can get one if you’re hit in the eye by a ball or get hurt from a burn, chemical, or splinter. […] When another condition or a medical treatment leads to a cataract, doctors call it secondary. Diabetes, taking steroids like prednisone, and even cataract surgery are possible causes. […] You may know that it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it can take a toll on your eyes, too. You can sometimes get cataracts if you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection. […] This type typically shows up in younger children and in both eyes. The genes that cause them are passed from parent to child.
  • #122 What Causes Early Onset Cataracts? | Medical Optometry
    https://www.northparkvision.com/what-causes-early-onset-cataracts/
    Cataracts most often affect people over the age of 40, but sometimes younger people develop this sight-threatening eye condition, which is characterized by a cloudy buildup on the eyes natural lens. […] Lifestyle, congenital conditions, damage to the eye and illnesses can all cause early cataracts. […] Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. […] Most frequently, this is caused by the breakdown of proteins in the ocular lens, which is located behind the iris and the pupil. […] Congenital cataracts are usually caused by a mothers illness during pregnancy, such as: Measles or rubella (the most common cause), Influenza, Chickenpox, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes zoster. […] Other causes of congenital cataracts are related to metabolic problems, inflammatory conditions, infection, diabetes or trauma.
  • #123 What Causes Early Onset Cataracts? | Medical Optometry
    https://www.northparkvision.com/what-causes-early-onset-cataracts/
    Cataracts most often affect people over the age of 40, but sometimes younger people develop this sight-threatening eye condition, which is characterized by a cloudy buildup on the eyes natural lens. […] Lifestyle, congenital conditions, damage to the eye and illnesses can all cause early cataracts. […] Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. […] Most frequently, this is caused by the breakdown of proteins in the ocular lens, which is located behind the iris and the pupil. […] Congenital cataracts are usually caused by a mothers illness during pregnancy, such as: Measles or rubella (the most common cause), Influenza, Chickenpox, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes zoster. […] Other causes of congenital cataracts are related to metabolic problems, inflammatory conditions, infection, diabetes or trauma.
  • #124 What Causes Early Onset Cataracts? | Medical Optometry
    https://www.northparkvision.com/what-causes-early-onset-cataracts/
    Cataracts most often affect people over the age of 40, but sometimes younger people develop this sight-threatening eye condition, which is characterized by a cloudy buildup on the eyes natural lens. […] Lifestyle, congenital conditions, damage to the eye and illnesses can all cause early cataracts. […] Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. […] Most frequently, this is caused by the breakdown of proteins in the ocular lens, which is located behind the iris and the pupil. […] Congenital cataracts are usually caused by a mothers illness during pregnancy, such as: Measles or rubella (the most common cause), Influenza, Chickenpox, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes zoster. […] Other causes of congenital cataracts are related to metabolic problems, inflammatory conditions, infection, diabetes or trauma.
  • #125 What Causes Early Onset Cataracts? | Medical Optometry
    https://www.northparkvision.com/what-causes-early-onset-cataracts/
    Cataracts most often affect people over the age of 40, but sometimes younger people develop this sight-threatening eye condition, which is characterized by a cloudy buildup on the eyes natural lens. […] Lifestyle, congenital conditions, damage to the eye and illnesses can all cause early cataracts. […] Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. […] Most frequently, this is caused by the breakdown of proteins in the ocular lens, which is located behind the iris and the pupil. […] Congenital cataracts are usually caused by a mothers illness during pregnancy, such as: Measles or rubella (the most common cause), Influenza, Chickenpox, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes zoster. […] Other causes of congenital cataracts are related to metabolic problems, inflammatory conditions, infection, diabetes or trauma.
  • #126 What Causes Early Onset Cataracts? | Medical Optometry
    https://www.northparkvision.com/what-causes-early-onset-cataracts/
    Cataracts most often affect people over the age of 40, but sometimes younger people develop this sight-threatening eye condition, which is characterized by a cloudy buildup on the eyes natural lens. […] Lifestyle, congenital conditions, damage to the eye and illnesses can all cause early cataracts. […] Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. […] Most frequently, this is caused by the breakdown of proteins in the ocular lens, which is located behind the iris and the pupil. […] Congenital cataracts are usually caused by a mothers illness during pregnancy, such as: Measles or rubella (the most common cause), Influenza, Chickenpox, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes zoster. […] Other causes of congenital cataracts are related to metabolic problems, inflammatory conditions, infection, diabetes or trauma.
  • #127 Cataracts In Younger Patients: Causes & Treatment Options
    https://southcaleye.com/cataracts/cataracts-in-younger-patients-causes-treatment-options/
    Although quite rare, congenital cataracts are when the lens of the eye is cloudy at birth. In most cases, no cause is found for the appearance of the condition. That said, parents who had congenital cataracts can pass the condition on to children. Congenital cataracts can also happen alongside other congenital disabilities such as Down syndrome. […] While these solutions can keep an individual seeing better for longer, no lifestyle change will remove cataracts. At this time, the only treatment option to restore lost sight from cataracts is through surgery. The procedure is fast and very safe for removing the cloudy lens. To complete the process, an ophthalmologist places a new artificial lens where the cataract once was.
  • #128 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Cataracts are most commonly due to aging but may also occur due to trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems. […] Risk factors include diabetes, longstanding use of corticosteroid medication, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol. […] In addition to these, poor nutrition, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases have been recognized in various studies as contributing to the development of cataracts. […] Cataract formation is primarily driven by oxidative stress, which damages lens proteins, leading to their aggregation and the accumulation of clumps of protein or yellow-brown pigment in the lens. […] Age is the most common cause of cataracts. […] Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, and this process is accelerated by diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
  • #129 The Causation and Pathophysiology of Cataracts
    https://www.longdom.org/articles/the-causation-and-pathophysiology-of-cataracts-98212.html
    A cataract is a hazy spot in the eye’s lens that causes visual loss. Cataracts usually grow gradually and might damage one or both eyes. […] Cataracts are most usually caused by ageing, although they can also be caused by trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or develop after eye surgery for other reasons. […] Diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroid medicine, tobacco usage, prolonged sun exposure, and alcohol are all risk factors. […] The underlying mechanism involves the buildup of clumps of protein or yellowbrown pigment in the lens, which limits light transmission to the retina at the rear of the eye. […] The most common cause of cataracts is aging. Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, which is increased by disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. […] Oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor in cataract development. Senile cataracts are related with a reduction in the lens’s antioxidant capability. An increase in oxidative stress or a decrease in the lens’s capacity to remove reactive oxygen species can cause the lens to become more opaque. […] Cataracts can develop as a result of several types of radiation exposure. X-rays, one form of ionizing radiation, may damage the DNA of lens cells. Ultraviolet light, notably UVB, is also believed to produce cataracts.
  • #130 Cataract: Types, Causes and Risk Factors
    https://www.healthline.com/health/cataract
    A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. […] There are several underlying causes of cataracts. These include: an overproduction of oxidants, which are oxygen molecules that have been chemically altered due to normal daily life, smoking, ultraviolet radiation, the long-term use of steroids and other medications, certain diseases, such as diabetes, trauma, and radiation therapy. […] Secondary cataracts are caused by disease or medications. Diseases that are linked with the development of cataracts include glaucoma and diabetes. […] Risk factors associated with cataracts include older age, heavy alcohol use, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, previous eye injuries, a family history of cataracts, too much sun exposure, diabetes, and exposure to radiation from X-rays and cancer treatments.
  • #131 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Cataracts are most commonly due to aging but may also occur due to trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems. […] Risk factors include diabetes, longstanding use of corticosteroid medication, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol. […] In addition to these, poor nutrition, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases have been recognized in various studies as contributing to the development of cataracts. […] Cataract formation is primarily driven by oxidative stress, which damages lens proteins, leading to their aggregation and the accumulation of clumps of protein or yellow-brown pigment in the lens. […] Age is the most common cause of cataracts. […] Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, and this process is accelerated by diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
  • #132 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #133 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #134 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #135 Cataracts Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
    https://www.upmc.com/services/eye/conditions/cataracts
    Cataracts are common as you age. […] Aging and exposure to sunlight can cause cataracts in adults, but eye changes caused by aging don’t always lead to cataracts. […] Risk factors that may increase your chances of developing cataracts as an adult include: Certain medications. Diabetes (persistent high blood sugar glucose levels can damage the eye’s lens). Exposure to ultraviolet light. Eye disease. Eye injury. Family history of cataracts or certain genetic conditions. Long-term use of high doses of steroid medicines, such as for conditions like asthma or emphysema. Older age. Smoking, which can cause chemicals called free radicals to form. High levels of free radicals can damage cells, including those in the eye’s lens. […] If left untreated, cataracts may lead to blindness.
  • #136 The Causation and Pathophysiology of Cataracts
    https://www.longdom.org/articles/the-causation-and-pathophysiology-of-cataracts-98212.html
    A cataract is a hazy spot in the eye’s lens that causes visual loss. Cataracts usually grow gradually and might damage one or both eyes. […] Cataracts are most usually caused by ageing, although they can also be caused by trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or develop after eye surgery for other reasons. […] Diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroid medicine, tobacco usage, prolonged sun exposure, and alcohol are all risk factors. […] The underlying mechanism involves the buildup of clumps of protein or yellowbrown pigment in the lens, which limits light transmission to the retina at the rear of the eye. […] The most common cause of cataracts is aging. Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, which is increased by disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. […] Oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor in cataract development. Senile cataracts are related with a reduction in the lens’s antioxidant capability. An increase in oxidative stress or a decrease in the lens’s capacity to remove reactive oxygen species can cause the lens to become more opaque. […] Cataracts can develop as a result of several types of radiation exposure. X-rays, one form of ionizing radiation, may damage the DNA of lens cells. Ultraviolet light, notably UVB, is also believed to produce cataracts.
  • #137 Understanding The 8 Common Causes Of Cataracts
    https://spectraeyemu.com/blog/causes-of-cataracts.php
    Aging is the primary cause of cataracts, and it’s very natural for an old person to get affected by cataracts. […] Long-term UV exposure without glasses or specs is one of the causes of cataracts. […] People who are currently facing diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts. […] Smoking is one of the serious causes of cataracts, as tobacco chemicals trigger eye tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. […] Genetics can be another cause of cataracts, especially if they’re prevalent in your family. […] Injuries to the eyes, no matter how small, can speed up cataract formation by disrupting the delicate eye balance. […] Obesity and high blood pressure contribute to cataracts by affecting the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately accelerating the formation of cloudy lenses.
  • #138 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    Cataracts form when protein builds up in the lens of your eye and makes it cloudy. This keeps light from passing through clearly. It can cause you to lose some of your eyesight. There are many types of cataracts. […] Also called a nuclear sclerotic cataract, this is the kind doctors see most. Anyone who lives long enough usually ends up with one. […] These take shape on the outside edge of your lens, called the cortex. They start as white wedges, like triangles that point toward the center of your eye. […] These form just inside the back of your lens capsule, the part of your eye that surrounds the lens and holds it in place. They’re directly in the path of light as it passes through the lens. […] This type forms just inside the front of your lens capsule. An injury or swelling in your eye can lead to one. So can a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis.
  • #139 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    Cataracts form when protein builds up in the lens of your eye and makes it cloudy. This keeps light from passing through clearly. It can cause you to lose some of your eyesight. There are many types of cataracts. […] Also called a nuclear sclerotic cataract, this is the kind doctors see most. Anyone who lives long enough usually ends up with one. […] These take shape on the outside edge of your lens, called the cortex. They start as white wedges, like triangles that point toward the center of your eye. […] These form just inside the back of your lens capsule, the part of your eye that surrounds the lens and holds it in place. They’re directly in the path of light as it passes through the lens. […] This type forms just inside the front of your lens capsule. An injury or swelling in your eye can lead to one. So can a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis.
  • #140 What Causes Cataracts? – The Eye Center Rockies
    https://www.eyecenterrockies.com/causes-of-cataracts/
    Cataracts can affect people of any age and have been found in infants, but tend to fully form in adults between the ages of 40 and 80 years old, with most forming in a patients sixth decade and beyond. […] Although cataracts tends to be an age-related condition, there are health factors that may increase your chances of developing a cataract. Some of these factors are: Certain diseases, such as diabetes, Lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol abuse, Trauma to the eye, Prolonged exposure to sunlight, Congenital cataracts, Steroid use, Poor diet, lack of nutrition, or poor health, Fetal exposure to infection, radiation, steroids, alcohol, other abusive substances. […] Cataracts can also develop in people who have had previous eye injuries, inflammation in the eye, and in people who have had different eye diseases in the past. […] Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of cataracts related to ones age and they cause a yellow to brown cloudiness in the eye. […] One of the rarest types of cataracts is the radiation cataract. Radiation cataracts can develop after exposure from UV rays.
  • #141 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    Cataracts form when protein builds up in the lens of your eye and makes it cloudy. This keeps light from passing through clearly. It can cause you to lose some of your eyesight. There are many types of cataracts. […] Also called a nuclear sclerotic cataract, this is the kind doctors see most. Anyone who lives long enough usually ends up with one. […] These take shape on the outside edge of your lens, called the cortex. They start as white wedges, like triangles that point toward the center of your eye. […] These form just inside the back of your lens capsule, the part of your eye that surrounds the lens and holds it in place. They’re directly in the path of light as it passes through the lens. […] This type forms just inside the front of your lens capsule. An injury or swelling in your eye can lead to one. So can a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis.
  • #142 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    Cataracts form when protein builds up in the lens of your eye and makes it cloudy. This keeps light from passing through clearly. It can cause you to lose some of your eyesight. There are many types of cataracts. […] Also called a nuclear sclerotic cataract, this is the kind doctors see most. Anyone who lives long enough usually ends up with one. […] These take shape on the outside edge of your lens, called the cortex. They start as white wedges, like triangles that point toward the center of your eye. […] These form just inside the back of your lens capsule, the part of your eye that surrounds the lens and holds it in place. They’re directly in the path of light as it passes through the lens. […] This type forms just inside the front of your lens capsule. An injury or swelling in your eye can lead to one. So can a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis.
  • #143 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    Cataracts form when protein builds up in the lens of your eye and makes it cloudy. This keeps light from passing through clearly. It can cause you to lose some of your eyesight. There are many types of cataracts. […] Also called a nuclear sclerotic cataract, this is the kind doctors see most. Anyone who lives long enough usually ends up with one. […] These take shape on the outside edge of your lens, called the cortex. They start as white wedges, like triangles that point toward the center of your eye. […] These form just inside the back of your lens capsule, the part of your eye that surrounds the lens and holds it in place. They’re directly in the path of light as it passes through the lens. […] This type forms just inside the front of your lens capsule. An injury or swelling in your eye can lead to one. So can a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis.
  • #144 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    These are cataracts that you’re born with or that form when you’re a child. Some are linked to your genes, and others are due to an illness, like rubella, that your mother had during pregnancy. […] Many kinds of injuries can lead to a cataract. You can get one if you’re hit in the eye by a ball or get hurt from a burn, chemical, or splinter. […] When another condition or a medical treatment leads to a cataract, doctors call it secondary. Diabetes, taking steroids like prednisone, and even cataract surgery are possible causes. […] You may know that it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it can take a toll on your eyes, too. You can sometimes get cataracts if you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection. […] This type typically shows up in younger children and in both eyes. The genes that cause them are passed from parent to child.
  • #145 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    You get these on the back center of your lens, and they’re often due to genes that are passed down through your family. […] They form on the front and center of your lens and look like small white dots. These cataracts typically don’t bother your vision. […] Vitrectomy is surgery to remove your vitreous, the clear gel at the center of your eye. The operation can help with certain eye problems but may lead to a cataract. […] If you don’t treat a nuclear cataract, it turns very hard and brown. This is called brunescent. […] This is a rare type of cataract that can happen if you have diabetes. It gets worse quickly and forms a gray-white pattern that looks like a snowflake.
  • #146 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #147 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    These are cataracts that you’re born with or that form when you’re a child. Some are linked to your genes, and others are due to an illness, like rubella, that your mother had during pregnancy. […] Many kinds of injuries can lead to a cataract. You can get one if you’re hit in the eye by a ball or get hurt from a burn, chemical, or splinter. […] When another condition or a medical treatment leads to a cataract, doctors call it secondary. Diabetes, taking steroids like prednisone, and even cataract surgery are possible causes. […] You may know that it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it can take a toll on your eyes, too. You can sometimes get cataracts if you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection. […] This type typically shows up in younger children and in both eyes. The genes that cause them are passed from parent to child.
  • #148 Cataract: Types, Causes and Risk Factors
    https://www.healthline.com/health/cataract
    A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. […] There are several underlying causes of cataracts. These include: an overproduction of oxidants, which are oxygen molecules that have been chemically altered due to normal daily life, smoking, ultraviolet radiation, the long-term use of steroids and other medications, certain diseases, such as diabetes, trauma, and radiation therapy. […] Secondary cataracts are caused by disease or medications. Diseases that are linked with the development of cataracts include glaucoma and diabetes. […] Risk factors associated with cataracts include older age, heavy alcohol use, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, previous eye injuries, a family history of cataracts, too much sun exposure, diabetes, and exposure to radiation from X-rays and cancer treatments.
  • #149 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    You get these on the back center of your lens, and they’re often due to genes that are passed down through your family. […] They form on the front and center of your lens and look like small white dots. These cataracts typically don’t bother your vision. […] Vitrectomy is surgery to remove your vitreous, the clear gel at the center of your eye. The operation can help with certain eye problems but may lead to a cataract. […] If you don’t treat a nuclear cataract, it turns very hard and brown. This is called brunescent. […] This is a rare type of cataract that can happen if you have diabetes. It gets worse quickly and forms a gray-white pattern that looks like a snowflake.
  • #150 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    You get these on the back center of your lens, and they’re often due to genes that are passed down through your family. […] They form on the front and center of your lens and look like small white dots. These cataracts typically don’t bother your vision. […] Vitrectomy is surgery to remove your vitreous, the clear gel at the center of your eye. The operation can help with certain eye problems but may lead to a cataract. […] If you don’t treat a nuclear cataract, it turns very hard and brown. This is called brunescent. […] This is a rare type of cataract that can happen if you have diabetes. It gets worse quickly and forms a gray-white pattern that looks like a snowflake.
  • #151 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    These are cataracts that you’re born with or that form when you’re a child. Some are linked to your genes, and others are due to an illness, like rubella, that your mother had during pregnancy. […] Many kinds of injuries can lead to a cataract. You can get one if you’re hit in the eye by a ball or get hurt from a burn, chemical, or splinter. […] When another condition or a medical treatment leads to a cataract, doctors call it secondary. Diabetes, taking steroids like prednisone, and even cataract surgery are possible causes. […] You may know that it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it can take a toll on your eyes, too. You can sometimes get cataracts if you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection. […] This type typically shows up in younger children and in both eyes. The genes that cause them are passed from parent to child.
  • #152 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #153 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract develops in the affected eye after an incident. A cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Congenital cataracts can occur as unilateral or bilateral isolated findings or may be associated with systemic disease. Most cases associated with systemic disease are bilateral. […] Also known as a „Christmas tree” cataract, polychromatic cataracts consist of highly reflective, iridescent corneal crystals of various colors.
  • #154 Early Cataracts: Symptom, Diagnosis, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/early-cataracts
    Cataracts typically develop in people who are 60 years old and older, but they often occur in people who are younger. […] Early cataracts may be linked to a health condition, such as diabetes, or caused by injuries or medication. […] The most frequent cause of cataracts in young people is a traumatic injury to their affected eye, including: being hit by an object like a ball (blunt trauma), being poked or cut by a sharp object (perforating trauma), exposure to UV radiation through things like outdoor sports and activities without sunglasses, exposure to ionizing radiation for the treatment of eye tumors, getting chemicals in that eye, electrical injuries to any part of their body. […] Congenital hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and diabetes are chronic endocrine conditions that can lead to early cataracts.
  • #155 Early Cataracts: Symptom, Diagnosis, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/early-cataracts
    Cataracts typically develop in people who are 60 years old and older, but they often occur in people who are younger. […] Early cataracts may be linked to a health condition, such as diabetes, or caused by injuries or medication. […] The most frequent cause of cataracts in young people is a traumatic injury to their affected eye, including: being hit by an object like a ball (blunt trauma), being poked or cut by a sharp object (perforating trauma), exposure to UV radiation through things like outdoor sports and activities without sunglasses, exposure to ionizing radiation for the treatment of eye tumors, getting chemicals in that eye, electrical injuries to any part of their body. […] Congenital hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and diabetes are chronic endocrine conditions that can lead to early cataracts.
  • #156 Early Cataracts: Symptom, Diagnosis, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/early-cataracts
    Cataracts typically develop in people who are 60 years old and older, but they often occur in people who are younger. […] Early cataracts may be linked to a health condition, such as diabetes, or caused by injuries or medication. […] The most frequent cause of cataracts in young people is a traumatic injury to their affected eye, including: being hit by an object like a ball (blunt trauma), being poked or cut by a sharp object (perforating trauma), exposure to UV radiation through things like outdoor sports and activities without sunglasses, exposure to ionizing radiation for the treatment of eye tumors, getting chemicals in that eye, electrical injuries to any part of their body. […] Congenital hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and diabetes are chronic endocrine conditions that can lead to early cataracts.
  • #157 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light have cumulative effects which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. […] Oxidative stress associated with lipid peroxidation is an important pathogenic mechanism in cataract formation. […] Senile cataracts are associated with a decrease in antioxidant capacity in the lens. […] An increase in oxidative stress in the lens or a decrease in the ability to remove reactive oxygen species can lead to the lens becoming more opaque. […] Blunt trauma causes swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers. […] Cataracts may develop in 0.7 to 8.0% of cases following electrical injuries. […] Cataracts can arise as an effect of exposure to various types of radiation.
  • #158 The Causation and Pathophysiology of Cataracts
    https://www.longdom.org/articles/the-causation-and-pathophysiology-of-cataracts-98212.html
    A cataract is a hazy spot in the eye’s lens that causes visual loss. Cataracts usually grow gradually and might damage one or both eyes. […] Cataracts are most usually caused by ageing, although they can also be caused by trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or develop after eye surgery for other reasons. […] Diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroid medicine, tobacco usage, prolonged sun exposure, and alcohol are all risk factors. […] The underlying mechanism involves the buildup of clumps of protein or yellowbrown pigment in the lens, which limits light transmission to the retina at the rear of the eye. […] The most common cause of cataracts is aging. Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, which is increased by disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. […] Oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor in cataract development. Senile cataracts are related with a reduction in the lens’s antioxidant capability. An increase in oxidative stress or a decrease in the lens’s capacity to remove reactive oxygen species can cause the lens to become more opaque. […] Cataracts can develop as a result of several types of radiation exposure. X-rays, one form of ionizing radiation, may damage the DNA of lens cells. Ultraviolet light, notably UVB, is also believed to produce cataracts.
  • #159 Causes of Cataracts | National Eye Institute
    https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/causes-cataracts
    Most cataracts happen because of natural changes in your eyes as you get older. […] After age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye naturally start to break down. Most cataracts happen because of these natural changes. […] Doctors and researchers are still studying exactly why cataracts form. They have found some factors other than aging that make cataracts more likely, including: A family history of cataracts, Diabetes, A serious eye injury, Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition, Taking steroids medicines used to treat some health problems, like arthritis or allergies, Radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases. […] Doctors and researchers have also found that some things make cataracts form faster, including: Smoking, Drinking too much alcohol, Spending too much time in the sun, especially without sunglasses.
  • #160 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Cataracts are most commonly due to aging but may also occur due to trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems. […] Risk factors include diabetes, longstanding use of corticosteroid medication, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol. […] In addition to these, poor nutrition, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases have been recognized in various studies as contributing to the development of cataracts. […] Cataract formation is primarily driven by oxidative stress, which damages lens proteins, leading to their aggregation and the accumulation of clumps of protein or yellow-brown pigment in the lens. […] Age is the most common cause of cataracts. […] Lens proteins denature and degrade over time, and this process is accelerated by diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
  • #161 Cataracts – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/what-are-cataracts
    These are cataracts that you’re born with or that form when you’re a child. Some are linked to your genes, and others are due to an illness, like rubella, that your mother had during pregnancy. […] Many kinds of injuries can lead to a cataract. You can get one if you’re hit in the eye by a ball or get hurt from a burn, chemical, or splinter. […] When another condition or a medical treatment leads to a cataract, doctors call it secondary. Diabetes, taking steroids like prednisone, and even cataract surgery are possible causes. […] You may know that it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but it can take a toll on your eyes, too. You can sometimes get cataracts if you spend too much time in the sun without eye protection. […] This type typically shows up in younger children and in both eyes. The genes that cause them are passed from parent to child.
  • #162 What Causes Cataracts? – The Eye Center Rockies
    https://www.eyecenterrockies.com/causes-of-cataracts/
    Cataracts can affect people of any age and have been found in infants, but tend to fully form in adults between the ages of 40 and 80 years old, with most forming in a patients sixth decade and beyond. […] Although cataracts tends to be an age-related condition, there are health factors that may increase your chances of developing a cataract. Some of these factors are: Certain diseases, such as diabetes, Lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol abuse, Trauma to the eye, Prolonged exposure to sunlight, Congenital cataracts, Steroid use, Poor diet, lack of nutrition, or poor health, Fetal exposure to infection, radiation, steroids, alcohol, other abusive substances. […] Cataracts can also develop in people who have had previous eye injuries, inflammation in the eye, and in people who have had different eye diseases in the past. […] Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of cataracts related to ones age and they cause a yellow to brown cloudiness in the eye. […] One of the rarest types of cataracts is the radiation cataract. Radiation cataracts can develop after exposure from UV rays.
  • #163 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #164 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #165 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #166 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #167 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    A traumatic cataract can occur following both blunt and penetrating eye injuries, as well as after electrocution, chemical burns, and exposure to radiation. […] Metabolic cataracts occur in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, galactosemia, Wilson disease, and myotonic dystrophy. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar; Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled); UV exposure; Smoking; Ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis; Ocular trauma; Prior ocular surgery; Genetic predisposition; Cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases; Radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] Anterior subcapsular cataracts can develop idiopathically, may be secondary to trauma, or may be iatrogenic. […] Diabetic snowflake cataracts appear as gray-white subcapsular opacities.
  • #168 Cataracts Causes Santa Rosa CA – Sonoma County
    https://www.see-eci.com/our-services/cataracts/what-causes-cataract/
    Various conditions can speed the rate of cataract growth. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common contributing factors, causing cataracts to form earlier in life than they would have otherwise. […] Any physical trauma experienced by the eye can cause swelling and thickening of the lens on top of a white, clouding effect. […] One of the biggest causes of early-onset cataracts is excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, especially from the sun. […] Some groups of people with excessive exposure to sunlight such as airline pilots are at risk to develop cataracts relatively early in life. […] Lifelong smokers have been shown to develop cataracts at roughly twice the rate of the general population. […] Several metabolic or nutritional diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism, as well as infections that involve the eyes, have shown potential links.
  • #169 Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options: Fuerst Eye Center: Board-Certified Ophthalmologists
    https://www.fuersteyemd.com/blog/understanding-cataracts-causes-symptoms-and-advanced-treatment-options
    Cataracts are a common age-related vision problem that affects millions of people worldwide. […] Cataracts develop when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to a gradual decline in vision. While aging is the primary risk factor for cataracts, other factors such as genetics, prolonged sun exposure, smoking, and certain medical conditions like diabetes can also increase the likelihood of developing cataracts at an earlier age. […] Cataracts are a common age-related vision problem that can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and modern treatment options for cataracts is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and vision clarity.
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  • #171 Cataract in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cataract-in-adults/print
    Cataract is a significant cause of blindness worldwide. […] Cataracts occur frequently with increasing age and may be a normal part of aging. However, poor nutrition, metabolic insults, excessive exposure to sunlight or other sources of radiation, trauma, and certain medications such as cortisone can speed their development. […] The major advances in the surgical treatment of cataract have not been matched by advances in the understanding of cataract formation, approaches to prevention, or in nonsurgical therapy. […] Cataracts continue to be an important cause of blindness. Worldwide, cases of blindness due to cataract have increased from 12.3 million in 1990 to 20 million in 2010, with the proportion of blindness due to cataract ranging from 12.7 percent in North America to 42 percent in Southeast Asia. […] The pattern and rate of blinding disorders differs between nations depending upon whether nutritional and infectious causes of blindness are eradicated and whether there are resources available for treatable disorders such as cataract.
  • #172 Causes and Risk Factors of Cataract – Zeiss
    https://www.zeiss.com/meditec-patient/us/cataract-surgery/causes-and-risk-factors-of-cataract.html
    Cataracts are caused by a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye. A healthy lens focuses light onto the retina for a clear image. If it becomes increasingly cloudy, the eye is no longer able to produce a clear picture just like a foggy camera lens. […] The most common factor causing this, is increasing age, but some may also be related to genetics or health problems, such as other ocular conditions, diabetes, trauma or past eye surgery. Long-term use of steroid medications, can also contribute to clouding of the crystalline lens. […] Some risk factors that may influence the development of the disease include ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity (overweight), smoking, statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol, previous eye injury or inflammation, hormone replacement therapy, significant alcohol consumption, high myopia (nearsightedness), and family health history. […] A healthy diet may delay the development of cataracts. […] Even though there is a significant controversy about whether cataracts can be prevented and there are no studies to prove the effectiveness of preventive measures, experts suggest some strategies that may be helpful.
  • #173 Cataracts | Better Health Channel
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cataracts
    Cataracts are a common cause of low vision in the elderly. […] Sun protection and quitting smoking may help to prevent or delay cataracts. […] Most cataracts develop as part of the ageing process. Long term and unprotected exposure to UV sunlight, smoking, diabetes and long term corticosteroid use are among increased risk factors for developing cataract. […] Wearing sunglasses to protect from prolonged direct exposure to UV sunlight, not smoking and good diabetes control if you suffer from diabetes may assist to prevent the early development of cataract.
  • #174 Cataract – adult Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/cataract-adult
    A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. […] As a person ages, proteins in the lens begin to break down. This makes the lens less flexible so that it is harder to focus on near objects. Over time, the lens becomes cloudy. What the eye sees may appear blurry at all distances. This condition is known as a cataract. […] Factors that may speed cataract formation are: Diabetes, Eye inflammation, Eye injury, Family history of cataracts, Long-term use of corticosteroids (taken by mouth) or certain other medicines, Radiation exposure, Smoking, Surgery for another eye problem, Too much exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight). […] The best prevention involves controlling diseases that increase the risk for a cataract. Avoiding exposure to things that promote cataract formation can also help. For example, if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Also, when outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.