In many cases, the cause of cataract development is unknown. Adult cataracts usually develop very gradually with advancing age and may run in families. They develop slowly and painlessly, and vision in the affected eye or eyes slowly gets worse. Some researchers suspect that a cataract may form as the protein in the lens changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years
Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types and causes of cataract:
Secondary cataract: Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to use of corticosteroids and certain other medications, such as cortisone. Traumatic cataract: Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later. Congenital cataract Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed. Radiation cataract: Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.
Cataracts develop more quickly if there are some environmental factors, such as smoking, exposure to other toxic substances, and exposure to excessive ultraviolet light or sunlight.
What causes Cataract?
In many cases, the cause of cataract development is unknown. Adult cataracts usually develop very gradually with advancing age and may run in families. They develop slowly and painlessly, and vision in the affected eye or eyes slowly gets worse. Some researchers suspect that a cataract may form as the protein in the lens changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years
Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types and causes of cataract:
Secondary cataract: Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to use of corticosteroids and certain other medications, such as cortisone. Traumatic cataract: Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later. Congenital cataract Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed. Radiation cataract: Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.
Cataracts develop more quickly if there are some environmental factors, such as smoking, exposure to other toxic substances, and exposure to excessive ultraviolet light or sunlight.