What increases my risk for cataracts?

All individuals are at risk of developing cataracts due to the aging process. Age is the single greatest risk factor for the development of cataracts. By age 65, about half of all Americans have developed some degree of lens clouding, although it may not impair vision.

Other factors that increase the risk of cataracts include: diabetes; family history of cataracts; previous eye injury or inflammation; previous eye surgery; prolonged use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Deltasone®); excessive exposure to sunlight; exposure to ionizing radiation; and smoking.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Things that increase your risk for cataracts include:

• Age. Getting older is a major risk factor for cataracts.
• Family history (genetics). People with a family history of cataracts are more likely to have cataracts. People with certain genetic disorders may also have an increased risk for cataracts.

Some chronic diseases increase the risk for cataracts. Keeping these diseases under control may help lower your risk for cataracts:

• Diabetes. People with diabetes are at increased risk for cataracts. Damage to the lens of the eye results from persistent high blood sugar (glucose) levels.
• Glaucoma. Surgery to treat glaucoma may raise the risk of cataracts.

Other things that may increase your risk include:

• Smoking. People who smoke are more likely to develop cataracts. Smoking may damage the lens of the eye by leading to the formation of chemicals called free radicals. High levels of free radicals can damage cells, including those in the lens of the eye.
• Infection during pregnancy. If a woman has certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or chickenpox, the baby may develop a cataract before birth.
• Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Ultraviolet B (UVB) is related to cataract development.
• Long-term use and higher doses of steroid medicines. Long-term use of high doses of steroid medicines for conditions such as asthma or emphysema increases a person's risk for cataracts.

Certain factors increase the risk of cataracts. For example, if you smoke or drink too much alcohol, your risk of cataracts may be higher. Ditto if your eyes have been exposed to lots of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun throughout your life. Also, the older you are, the higher your risk. And people who have a history of eye injuries are at higher risk of cataracts as well.

Take the RealAge Test!

Age is the most common risk factor for cataracts (a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye): by age 80, more than half of Americans either have a visually significant cataract or have had cataract surgery. You are at higher risk for this common eye problem if you:

• smoke
• use steroid medications (commonly prescribed for asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other illnesses)
• have suffered an eye injury
• have diabetes
• have spent considerable time in the sun
• are obese
• are an alcoholic
• have a family history of cataract