When you think of someone with cataracts, you might imagine a grandparent, since the condition is generally associated with older adults. Yet, there are people with this condition in their 20’s and 30’s – even at birth. Individuals who develop cataracts early in life are said to have early-onset cataracts. What causes these premature cataracts? What are the symptoms, and how is this condition treated?
This article will provide answers to these questions.
What are Cataracts?
The National Eye Institute (NEI) defines cataracts as a condition in which the lens in one or both eyes becomes opaque, impairing vision. By age 80, most people will have cataracts. There are two ways that age-related cataracts impact vision:
- Protein in the eye clumps together, reducing the light that gets to the retina
- The lens gradually becomes a darker color
If the condition is age-related, the symptoms naturally worsen over time. The most common symptoms include blurry or double vision, muted colors, glare sensitivity, and poor night vision. Cataract sufferers may also experience halo vision and frequent prescription changes.
During the early stages of cataract formation, your doctor may suggest preventive measures to maintain your eye’s health. Early-stage cataracts may be treated with eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions; surgery may be recommended if vision is severely impacted. Unless there are contraindications, these treatments are standard for all types of cataracts.
Causes of Premature Cataracts
Rather than physical changes associated with advanced age, early onset cataracts can have a variety of causes, including:
- Injury
- Disease
- Radiation exposure
- Drug reactions
- Congenital conditions
- Lifestyle choices, including smoking and being obese
- Eye surgery (retina)
Let’s look more deeply into how these types of cataracts occur and their treatment options.
Injury: Traumatic Cataract
A penetrating or blunt force injury to the eye can result in damage that could cause a portion of an eye’s lens to become cloudy or opaque, often resulting in a “stellate” or star-type pattern.
Treatment depends on several factors, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), including:
- Whether the trauma was blunt or penetrating
- How bad the damage was
- Whether the damage is expanding or fixed
- Whether the patient is in good health
- Whether age-related cataract symptoms are also present
If an eye doctor recommends surgery, the surgical cataract extraction of a cataract formed by trauma is less complicated than in cases where aging factors are also present.
If you have had a traumatic injury to your eye, contact your eye doctor immediately for treatment and to help prevent further damage.
Disease: Diabetes
A 2018 study published in the journal Eye states that the risk of cataracts in diabetic patients is double that of individuals who do not have the disease. Additionally, the risk is highest among those aged 45-54.
The cause of early-onset cataracts in diabetic patients is uncontrolled blood sugar, according to the AAO. The nourishing properties of the aqueous humor are compromised by unchecked glucose levels, which can cause lens opacity. The best ways to prevent early-onset cataracts if you are diabetic include:
- Controlling your blood sugar
- Having regular checkups with your eye doctor
Drug reaction
Some medical authorities believe the ongoing use of certain drugs, such as statins and steroids, can contribute to early cataract formation. A study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology concluded that there is a connection between statin use and the formation of cataracts that require surgical intervention.
However, the study also noted that the population taking statins to control cholesterol is the same population at higher risk of cataract formation, so further studies are needed.
For the best outcome for ongoing medical treatment, follow the doctor’s instructions and report any changes in your vision or health to ensure early intervention.
Radiation exposure
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says individuals exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and CT scans, may be at higher risk of developing lens opacity.
This not only has implications for radiology technicians and health care personnel who are exposed to X-rays in intervention and catheterization labs, but also for individuals who have completed cancer radiation treatments and multiple CT scans.
Professionals who work in radiology should follow the safety considerations outlined in the Radiation Safety Considerations published by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent damage from radiation exposure. Patients who receive radiation treatments or CT scans regularly should inform their eye doctor.
Lifestyle and premature cataracts
According to the Mayo Clinic, some lifestyle choices may cause early-onset cataracts:
- Exposure to too much sun, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Smoking
- Obesity
Currently, there are no proven ways to prevent cataracts, but there are ways to help maintain good eye health. Medical professionals recommend that patients:
- Quit smoking
- Reduce obesity
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses
Another way to maintain healthy eyes is to have regular eye exams, either annually or if you suspect something may be wrong. Regular comprehensive eye exams can identify eye conditions early. Your eye doctor can then determine the best treatment before the condition worsens and causes long-term damage. Additionally, if your general health changes or you experience any vision changes, it is important to speak with your eye doctor.
Protect Your Vision with Early Detection
Early-onset cataracts can develop for many reasons, but the key to protecting your vision is catching them early. Whether your risk comes from injury, health conditions, or lifestyle factors, regular eye exams give you the best chance to detect changes before they impact your daily life. If you’ve noticed any vision changes or want to stay ahead of potential issues, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Southwestern Eye Center and take the next step toward clear, confident vision.