A member asked:

What causes cataracts?

16 doctors weighed in across 6 answers
Dr. Ilan Cohen answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Time: Most cataracts are caused by age related degeneration in the proteins in the lens of the eye. This degeneration causes the lens to lose its transparency. Cataract formation can be accelerated by trauma, steroids and other medications, diabetes, smoking, excessive ultraviolet light exposure and some other things. See your eye doctor if you suspect cataracts.

Answered 4/15/2018

5.7k views

Thank

Many causes: Mostly aging, but diabetes, steroid use, and ultraviolet exposure all cause cataracts.

Answered 4/15/2018

5.5k views

Thank
Dr. Sandra Lora Cremers answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Lens protein change: Cataracts (a white lens change): most often due to/made worse by (most common first): aging, genetics predisposition, excessive sun exposure, smoking, diabetes, steroid medication, previous trauma, inflammation, infection in the eye causing inflammation; previous intraocular eye surgery; other genetic conditions; can be congenital; due to protein change in lens; more info: eyedoc2020@blogspot.com

Answered 11/30/2014

3.5k views

Thank

Usually age: If you live long enough, you will get cataracts--not everyone is bothered by cataracts or needs surgery to remove them. Cataracts can also be present at birth or may be caused by certain medical conditions, like diabetes. In addition, a cataract may be caused by an injury or as a side effect of other eye surgery.

Answered 1/26/2015

5.3k views

Thank

Age Causes: A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Normal eye lenses are completely transparent, allowing light to pass freely to the back of the eye. Once a cataract starts to develop, your eye’s lens will gradually become more opaque, causing less light to reach your retina. Around 50% of americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have cataracts.

Answered 2/20/2014

5.3k views

Thank
Dr. Sandra Lora Cremers answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Causes of Cataracts: Cataracts (a white lens change) is most often due to or made worse by (most common first): aging, genetics predisposition, excessive sun exposure, smoking, diabetes, steroid medication, previous trauma, inflammation, infection in the eye causing inflammation; previous intraocular eye surgery; other genetic conditions; can be congenital as well.

Answered 10/25/2013

4.8k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

What are the main causes and risk factors of cataract?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Can cataracts cause dizziness?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Can cataracts cause astigmatism?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Does indoor tanning cause cataracts?

10 doctors weighed in across 2 answers