A 34-year-old member asked:
Why do i have cataracts if i am only seventeen?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Odetteanswered
Ophthalmology 16 years experience
See Below: It is unusual for young people to have cataracts, however, very possible. There are many reasons someone can have a cataract at age 17. I suggest asking your ophthalmologist what might the cause of your specific cataracts, but causes in young people can include trauma, uncontrolled diabetes, medical steroid use, genetic and many others.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Christopher Hoodanswered
Ophthalmology 16 years experience
Congenital: Congenital cataracts are seen at birth, and this is likely what you have. They can have a variable effect on vision.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. William Trattleranswered
LASIK Surgery 30 years experience
Early cataracts: Some people can develop cataracts at an early age. It can just happen, although one known risk is blunt trauma.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Sandra Lora Cremersanswered
Ophthalmology 26 years experience
Can be genetic: 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; more info: eyedoc2020@blogspot.com
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Yale Kanter commented
Ophthalmology 62 years experience
At your age you can sometimes have congenital lens changes that usually do not affect your vision and are found only by appropriate eye examination.
Nov 30, 2014
Last updated Mar 1, 2016
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