What Are Cataracts?
5. Causes and Risk Factors
Age is the most common cause of cataracts due to denaturation and degradation of the lens. Trauma can also cause swelling and partial or total opacification of the lens. Causes of traumatic cataracts include blunt trauma to the eye, infrared energy (i.e. cataract glass-blower’s), electric shock, and radiation. Genetics also plays a strong role in the development of cataracts (especially when associated with chromosomal anomalies).
Furthermore, factors that increase the risk of developing cataracts include aging, tobacco smoking, obesity, certain diseases (i.e. diabetes, arterial hypertension), previous ocular surgery or trauma, long-term exposure to sunlight (UV rays), prolonged use of steroids, and family history of cataracts.
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