What Causes Early Onset Cataracts?

The face of cataracts is usually that of an older adult. But cataracts are not exclusive to those over the age of 60. Younger adults and even children can develop opacities of the eye’s natural lens. In fact, some babies are born with cataracts (although it is very rare).

You may be asking yourself how cataracts develop in younger adults and children. Although there is a lot that doctors do not know about early onset cataracts, certain risk factors have been identified. Laser Eye Center explains more in this post.

Risk Factors for Early Cataract Development

An early onset cataract is defined as a cataract affecting someone under the age of 60. The following factors have been associated with early onset cataracts:

• Smoking
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids
• Diabetes
• Family history of cataracts
• Previous eye injury or eye surgery
• Previous radiation therapy
• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays

If your risk of early cataracts is higher than normal, familiarize yourself with the warning signs: cloudy, blurry or “foggy” vision, double vision, sensitivity to light and needing additional light when reading. Should any of these symptoms occur, schedule an evaluation with our renowned doctors promptly.

Easily Treatable At Any Age

Not all cataracts require treatment. Only those that are mature enough to interfere with vision and affect activities of daily living should be removed. Small cataracts may be regularly monitored through routine eye exams.

When cataract removal is required, the procedure is extremely safe and, thanks to today’s technology, quite precise with minimal side effects. The intraocular lens implants that we use to replace natural lenses provide clear vision at all distances and in virtually any light condition.

Patients seeking the highest quality cataract care know they can trust Laser Eye Center. Our cataract surgeons have a 30-year track record of success and are nationally recognized for our expertise. We use computer-controlled lasers to automate certain parts of the cataract removal process, eliminating some of the risk of human error. The Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system enables us to measure, adjust and confirm the correct power of the selected intraocular lens.

By leveraging this technology and our experience, we can offer patients unparalleled visual outcomes. Our specialty is picking out advanced lenses that suit our patients’ unique lifestyle needs and preferences.

Here for You When You Need Us

No matter what your age or visual needs, Laser Eye Center can provide a diagnosis and an appropriate plan of action. Should we determine that you need cataract surgery, we will discuss the procedure at length with you so you understand what to expect.

Call or email us today to request an appointment at one of our Southern California locations.