Does Everyone Eventually Get Cataracts?

As you age, you may begin to worry about getting cataracts. If you’re like most people, the thought of getting cataracts may cause many sleepless nights, headaches, and anxiety. You may often ask yourself “Will everyone eventually get cataracts?” Most people will develop cataracts as they get older, but age isn’t the only cause of cataracts in Jesup, GA and other places. Here are the most common reasons why a cataract may form.

Diseases

Many studies suggest that people who suffer from a disease like hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorder, or glaucoma have a much greater chance of getting cataracts. People with diabetes are especially prone to developing cataracts because the part of their eye known as the aqueous humor usually has too much sugar. If your aqueous humor has high levels of sugar, your vision will be significantly affected.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common condition.

If you have high blood pressure, you’re more likely to experience increased inflammation. When this happens, cataracts may develop.

Eye Trauma

Another common reason why cataracts form is eye trauma, whether it’s chemical, radiation, blunt, or penetrating trauma. Even if the eye trauma occurred several years ago, cataracts can eventually develop.

Congenital Cataracts

Despite common belief, newborns can also get cataracts. Newborns are likely to develop cataracts if they’ve experienced a genetic disposition, measles, trauma, or a reaction to a drug. Newborns who are born with diabetes can also develop cataracts.

Smoking

Do you smoke on a regular basis? You may be surprised to learn that smoking can actually cause cataracts. Many experts believe that smoking can cause cataracts due to the extremely high levels of free radicals in the eye lenses. Over time, these free radicals can result in cell oxidation in the eye lenses, which ultimately contributes to cataract development.

Too Much Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can drastically increase your chances of getting cataracts. Whenever you drink too much alcohol, you’re inadvertently damaging your eye cells. More often than not, significantly damaged eye cells are vulnerable to cataracts.

Be sure to make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible if you think you’re suffering from cataracts. The condition is usually treatable. Ask an eye doctor in Brunswick, GA if cataract surgery is right for you.