Cataracts - Symptoms

Risk Factors

Aging is the primary risk factor for cataracts, but other factors are also involved.

Age

Nearly everyone who lives long enough will develop cataracts to some extent. Some people develop cataracts during their middle-aged years (40s and 50s), but these cataracts tend to be very small. It is after age 60 that cataracts are most likely to affect vision. Nearly half of people age 75 and older have cataracts.

Gender

Women face a higher risk than men.

Family History

Cataracts tend to run in families.

Race and Ethnicity

African-Americans appear to have nearly twice the risk of developing cataracts as Caucasians. This difference may be due to other medical illnesses, particularly diabetes. African-Americans are much more likely to become blind from cataracts and glaucoma than Caucasians, mostly due to lack of treatment.

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Hispanic Americans are also at increased risk for cataracts. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment among Hispanics.

Glaucoma and Other Eye Conditions

Glaucoma. Glaucoma and its treatments, including certain drugs (notably miotics) and filtering surgery, pose a high risk for cataracts. The glaucoma drugs that can increase risk for cataracts include demecarium (Humorsol), isoflurophate (Floropryl), and echothiophate (Phospholine).

Myopia. People who are nearsighted (myopia) are at increased risk of developing cataracts.

Uveitis. Uveitis is chronic inflammation in the eye, which is often caused by an autoimmune disease or response. Often the cause is unknown. It is a rare condition that carries a high risk for cataracts.

Other Eye Conditions. Physical injuries to the eye (such as a hard blow, cut, or puncture) or eye inflammation can also increase risk. Previous intraocular eye surgery increases cataract risk.

Other Medical Conditions

People with certain medical conditions, notably diabetes, are at high risk for cataracts, either because of a direct effect of the disease, its treatments, or both.

Diabetes. People with diabetes type 1 or 2 are at very high risk for cataracts and are much more likely to develop them at a younger age. They also have a higher risk for nuclear cataracts than nondiabetics. Cataract development is significantly related to high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Obesity, which is associated with diabetes type 2, may also be a risk factor for cataracts.