Cataracts Health Center

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Cataracts - Cause

A cataract occurs when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Factors associated with clouding include:

Aging (age-related cataracts).
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as from sunlight, tanning booths, or sunlamps.
Diabetes. Diabetes, especially when the blood sugar levels are above the safe range, causes changes in the eye that can result in cataracts.
Disease inside the eye, such as glaucoma, long-term (chronic) uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, or retinal detachment.
Long-term use of steroid medicines.
Frequent X-rays or radiation treatments to the head.
Family history (genetics). A person may inherit the tendency to develop cataracts.
Vitrectomy. People older than age 50 who have had the vitreous gel removed from their eye (vitrectomy) have an increased risk of cataracts.
Eye injury. Even though injury-related cataracts are rare, injury is a leading cause of cataracts in children.
Being born with cataracts (congenital). Some children are born with the condition.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 09, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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