A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get cataracts with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting cataracts are greater in people who have many.
The risk of cataracts increases with age. Other things that can raise the risk are:
These health problems may raise the risk:
- Diabetes
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Some medicines, such as steroids that are taken for a long time
- Some infections
- Life-long eye problems, such as uveitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other problems with the immune system
Being exposed to radiation, toxins, and too much time in the sun can raise the risk.
Cataracts are more common in people who smoke and those who drink excess alcohol.
Having other family members who have certain types cataracts can raise the risk.
This eye problem is not common in children. But some children are born with or get cataracts due to problems at birth, metabolism or chromosome problems, infection, or other reasons.
Eye injuries raise the risk.
Some eye surgeries can raise the risk.
References
Cataract. American Optometric Association website. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Cataracts. National Eye Institute website. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Cataracts in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cataracts-in-adults. Accessed May 2, 2022.
What are cataracts? American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review BoardJames P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 05/02/2022