What Causes Cataract at a Young Age?

Cataract is one of the eye conditions that generally appears in older people, although it can sometimes appear in younger people as well. Questions such as what causes cataract at a young age and how it is treated are naturally asked. A condition that appears for the most part in later life can become a cause for concern when it appears young. Cataract becomes more common after the age of 55-60, but it can be seen in younger people too. Cataract appearing at a young age is treated as ordinary cataract is. The damaged lens of the eye is removed during surgery and specially designed lenses are placed in its position. Alongside appearing at a young age, it can also be present from birth.

What is Cataract?

The questions of what cataract is and how it forms at a young age matter. Cataract is a build-up of protein in the natural lens within the eye. That protein harms the transparency of the lens, which grows gradually more opaque and loses its ability to transmit light, reducing the quality of vision. Cataract forming at a young age can be observed for congenital or genetic reasons. Alongside these, environmental factors, sunlight, radiation and heavy substance use can also lead to it.

Symptoms of Cataract at a Young Age

The symptoms of cataract at a young age need attention. Among the most common signs of cataract is a strong sensitivity to light, alongside which vision becomes blurred. It also shows itself through eye strain and in other ways:

• A decline in the ability to see at night
• Strong sensitivity to light
• Glare
• Headache and eye strain
• Difficulty while driving
• Beginning to see better at near without glasses
• Difficulty reading books and newspapers
• Difficulty using a computer or a phone
• Sometimes needing more light
• Blurred vision
• Seeing colours as duller and more faded
• Difficulty seeing at distance and at near
• The prescription changing constantly

If one or more of these symptoms is observed, consulting a doctor promptly and being examined matters for an early diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Cataract at a Young Age

Diagnosing cataract at a young age is very important. An early diagnosis in particular prevents further problems from arising. Where cataract treatment is left too late, sight can be lost entirely. The symptoms of cataract should not be taken lightly. Some of them can appear in other eye conditions as well, so seeing a specialist ophthalmologist for the right diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Special instruments are used in making the diagnosis. These devices measure eye pressure, examine the lens and image the inside of the eye, so that the most accurate diagnosis can be made. Treatment then begins.

Causes of Cataract at a Young Age

Many factors are among the causes of cataract at a young age. There are a number of reasons for cataract forming very young, chief among them congenital cataract and genetic predisposition. In people with a family history of cataract, the rate at which this appears is higher. The conditions that lead to cataract appearing at a young age are:

• Genetic predisposition
• Congenital cataract
• Diabetes
• Uveitis
• Medication use
• Other conditions such as trauma, radiotherapy and metabolic disease
• High myopia
• Down's syndrome

The risk of cataract forming is greater in certain situations. In patients with diabetes, sugar causes a great many problems because it damages the nerves of the body. Diabetes likewise clearly increases the risk of cataract, and in people with both diabetes and cataract the conditions advance more quickly. If cataract appearing at a young age is left untreated, these people can experience serious eye problems by their forties. Another situation that causes cataract at a young age is long-term use of corticosteroid medicines, which increases the risk of cataract forming considerably. These medicines should only be used under medical supervision.

How is Cataract Prevented?

Questions such as how cataract is prevented, and what to pay attention to, are widely asked. Cataract at an early age can sometimes occur because of environmental conditions and lifestyle. Those situations are:

• Being overweight or obese
• Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Exposure to radiation

The only definitive treatment for cataract is cataract surgery. In preventing cataract from forming, it matters that people look after their own health and improve their quality of life. Several precautions can be taken:

• A healthy and regular diet, rich in vitamin C in particular
• Reaching a healthy weight
• Reducing alcohol and tobacco use, and stopping where possible
• Not looking at the sun without protection, and staying away from its rays
• Eating foods rich in antioxidants

Treatment of Cataract at a Young Age

Cataract at a young age is treated as ordinary cataract is. The definitive and only solution is surgery. No medication or eye drop can stop or reverse cataract, so surgery is chosen once quality of life is seriously affected. During the operation the damaged lens is removed and an intraocular lens is fitted in its place, chosen individually for each person. Cataract surgery takes about 15-20 minutes per eye on average. It matters that the surgeon performing it is experienced, and the operation must take place in a fully sterile environment. Afterwards the surgeon's advice should be observed and follow-up appointments attended regularly. Through this operation the cataract is cleared completely. Burning, stinging and watering of the eye after surgery are entirely normal. Patients return to their normal lives within a few days. No water should touch the eye for the first few days after surgery, and direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided. What Causes Eye Discharge?