What causes cataracts?
Disease description:
My grandmother was recently diagnosed with cataracts. She's scheduled for surgery in a few days, otherwise she can't see clearly at all, and her eyes are also particularly painful. I'd like to know what causes cataracts.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
The main causes of cataracts include the following:
1. Age factor: With increasing age, the lens inside the eye undergoes degenerative changes and becomes cloudy. This is the primary cause of cataracts in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
2. Genetic factor: Cataracts are closely related to genetic factors. If one or both parents have the condition, their children have a significantly increased risk of developing cataracts.
3. Trauma factor: Eye injuries, such as blunt trauma or penetrating wounds, may directly damage the lens, causing structural or functional abnormalities that lead to cataracts.
4. Radiation factor: Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, microwave radiation, or excessive ultraviolet (UV) light may affect the growth of lens cells, leading to cloudiness and triggering cataract formation.
