A 21-year-old member asked:
Who is at risk for cataracts?
6 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sarab Alfataanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Age..: Aging is the primary risk factor for cataracts, but other factors are also involved: gender women >men, +family history, race african america twice caucasian, diabetes, obesity, steroid treatment, smoking, alcohol use, exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors like lead or x-ray exposure.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Harvey Fishmananswered
Ophthalmology 22 years experience
Many causes : Risk factors include Prednisone use, diabetes, tobacco use, as well as many genetic diseases
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Christopher Hoodanswered
Ophthalmology 16 years experience
Old age: Cataracts have many risk factors, but age is the biggest. If you are lucky to live long enough, you will likely develop some level of cataracts.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Goldsteinanswered
Ophthalmology 32 years experience
Controllable factors: The risk factors that you can control are ultraviolet light exposure (wear sunglasses and hats) and smoking (another good reason to quit!).
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Hamanswered
Ophthalmology 28 years experience
Every one!: Cataract is clouding of the natural lens in the eye. Clouding is a natural process with aging, so everyone is as risk. Risk factors also include Prednisone use, diabetes, tobacco use, as well as many genetic diseases . The opacification in most individuals can usually be seen by age 60, and common age for having surgery is 68-70. Does not need treatment unless affecting activities of living.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Eric Rothchildanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Causes of Cataracts: In addition to what has already been mentioned , age and previous eye surgery can promote progression of a cataract.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 23, 2016
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