Have you ever wondered if you have cataracts? Cataracts are very common. They gradually form over time, either in one eye or both, therefore, some people may not even initially realise they have cataracts forming.
You may be driving and assume impaired vision is from other vehicles headlights, or you could be reading at home and think the lights aren’t bright enough. This is why regular Sight Tests are so important.
Risk Factors
There are a number of factors which could leave a person at heightened risk of developing cataracts:
- Age – One of the most common factors that can lead to cataracts is age. Over a period of time, your eyes begin to deteriorate and common conditions and/ or medications can mean the eye is unable to restore any loss of lens quality.
- Smoking – Regularly smoking can cause oxidation of the eye lens, which allows for a build up of proteins (cataracts).
- Trauma – Injury to the eye can cause thickness of the lens, causing inflammation and cloudiness within the eye.
- Genes – Chromosomal abnormalities contribute to cataracts in children. Genes can play a big role in developing cataracts. If family members have suffered from this condition, there is a high chance you may develop the condition.
