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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. Some studies show that up to 80% of older people develop cataracts between 6 months and 3 years after vitrectomy.1
- 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:
October 01, 2007
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Most cataracts occur in older adults, but infants and children can also have them. Learn about research that's looking for the best way to save children’s eyesight.
