Cataracts
Overview
Causes
Cataracts happen when proteins break down in the lens. Aging is the most common cause. Other causes are:
- Certain health problems, such as diabetes
- Exposure to x-rays or radiation
- Eye injury
Some children are born with cataracts. They may also be found in babies and older children. This is rare.
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Prior eye surgery
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Taking certain medicines, such as corticosteroids
- Alcohol use disorder
- Having certain skin problems, such as atopic dermatitis and scleroderma
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
A person may not have symptoms in the early stages. As the cataract gets worse, problems may be:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Reduced vision
- Glare and haloes from light
- Double vision
- Poor contrast
- Colors that seem faded
- Problems recognizing faces or objects that are far away
- Poor night vision
Treatments
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve vision. Some people may be able to manage symptoms with updated eyeglasses. However, surgery is the only way to remove a cataract that is causing problems. It removes a cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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