What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts are a condition where the eye's normally clear lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or distorted vision, often described as looking through a foggy window. This occurs due to a buildup of proteins in the lens, forming clumps that block light from passing through effectively. Please click here to learn more about the three types of cataracts.
There are several causes of cataracts, ranging from age-related changes to environmental factors. Understanding these causes can help you take proactive steps to protect your vision.
Common Causes of Cataracts
1. Aging
2. Traumatic Cataracts
3. Diabetes
4. Congenital Cataracts
Although cataracts are commonly associated with aging, some infants are born with congenital cataracts. These may result from:
5. High Blood Pressure (HBP)
6. Smoking
7. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Remember, while cataracts are often age-related, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Recognizing the signs early is extremely important.
What You Can Do
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing at night, it’s important to consult an eye doctor promptly. Cataracts are highly treatable, and cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in the world.
📞 Contact Athena Eye Care at 949-889-2020
🌐 Visit www.athenaeyecare.com
Let us help you restore your vision and quality of life.
There are several causes of cataracts, ranging from age-related changes to environmental factors. Understanding these causes can help you take proactive steps to protect your vision.
Common Causes of Cataracts
1. Aging
- As we age, the natural proteins in the lens can break down and clump together, causing areas of cloudiness known as cataracts. Over time, these cataracts may grow larger, leading to significant vision impairment or even total vision loss.
- Cataracts caused by aging are treatable through surgery. This involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL).
2. Traumatic Cataracts
- Eye injuries, such as blunt force trauma, chemical burns, electric shock, or radiation exposure, can lead to cataract formation. In some cases, a traumatic cataract may develop years after the initial injury.
3. Diabetes
- People with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts.
- Elevated glucose levels in the eye's aqueous humor can cause swelling and protein damage in the lens, and the lens converts excess glucose into sorbitol, which can accumulate and further damage the lens.
4. Congenital Cataracts
Although cataracts are commonly associated with aging, some infants are born with congenital cataracts. These may result from:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Infections during pregnancy (e.g., measles or rubella).
- Metabolic disorders.
- Trauma or inflammation.
5. High Blood Pressure (HBP)
- Chronic high blood pressure can lead to inflammation in the eye, increasing the risk of cataracts.
- HBP is also linked to other eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
6. Smoking
- Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing cataracts compared to non-smokers. Toxins in cigarette smoke can cause oxidative stress and damage cells in the eye's lens.
7. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Heavy alcohol use is linked to a higher risk of cataracts. Alcohol metabolism produces free radicals that can damage proteins in the eye, leading to clouding of the lens.
Remember, while cataracts are often age-related, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Recognizing the signs early is extremely important.
- Please click here to learn more about Recognizing the Early Signs of Cataracts.
- Please click here to learn more about What Happens if Cataracts Are Left Untreated?
What You Can Do
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing at night, it’s important to consult an eye doctor promptly. Cataracts are highly treatable, and cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in the world.
📞 Contact Athena Eye Care at 949-889-2020
🌐 Visit www.athenaeyecare.com
Let us help you restore your vision and quality of life.
Know Your Coverage
- Because insurance policies vary greatly, it’s crucial to verify the details of your coverage before scheduling cataract surgery. For assistance determining your benefits or to learn more about cataract surgery, contact Athena Eye Care.
- Please click here to learn more about Cataract Surgery and Insurance Coverage
- We’re here to guide you every step of the way toward clearer vision.
Your journey to your best vision starts here
|
Call to schedule an appointment or consultation today
Athena Eye Care 26800 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 340 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 phone# (949) 889-2020 Mon 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Tues 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Wed 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Thurs 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sat Closed Sun Closed |
Contact Dr. Tai
|
|
© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
|