What Are the Causes of Premature Cataracts & Can it Be Reversed?

Cataracts are a common medical condition that causes the lens of the eye to become clouded. This condition is common in people over the age of 65 but it may develop earlier due to congenital causes, injuries or other factors.

Congenital Cataracts

According to the Mayo Clinic, cataracts may be present at birth or may develop in children whose mothers had German measles during pregnancy.

Eye Injuries

Cataracts can develop as a result of eye injuries, swelling of the eye and surgical procedures that were performed on the eyes.

Other Risk Factors

People who smoke or expose themselves to excessive radiation from sunlight can increase their chances of developing cataracts prior to old age. People with diabetes have a higher risk of getting cataracts.

Treatment

Doctors surgically remove eye lenses that are clouded by cataracts and they replace the lenses with eye lens implants. Cataracts cannot be reversed without surgery.

Symptoms

Patients with cataracts may notice that their vision has become dim, blurred or cloudy, they may have difficulty seeing at night and they may become sensitive to glare. Cataract sufferers may need brighter light for reading or other activities.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Cataracts