Where does cataract come from? An overview of the most common causes:

Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases worldwide – and one of the most underestimated. Clear vision is gradually replaced by a clouding of the lens of the eye until even everyday activities such as reading or driving become a problem. But what exactly causes the lens to suddenly become “foggy”? Is it really just age? Or are there hidden risk factors that we should be aware of?

In this article, we take an exciting look behind the scenes of your eyes: we explain how the lens of the eye actually works, which processes can trigger clouding and why cataracts no longer have to be the end point of your vision. You will also find out how modern artificial lenses can turn cataracts into a chance to be glasses-free.

What cataracts are: Physiological cause

The lens in the eye has two main functions:

• Focusing the light: This ensures that light rays hit the retina precisely, resulting in sharp images.
• Adjusting the refractive power: The flexibility of the lens allows you to see both near and far objects clearly.

These functions depend on the transparency of the lens. The lens consists of special proteins that are arranged in a clear and orderly structure. If the lens becomes cloudy, this structure changes:

• Proteins clump together or rearrange themselves.
• Light can no longer pass through unhindered.
• Scattered light occurs and the image on the retina becomes blurred or hazy.

This process often begins in a small area and gradually spreads – initially unnoticed, but with an increasing reduction in visual acuity. This clouding is the physiological cause of cataracts.

Causes of clouding of the lens of the eye in cataracts

There can be various triggers for this clouding of the lens. The most common causes that promote the development of cataracts – in addition to the natural ageing process at an advanced age – are

Age-related changes to the lens

With increasing age, the lens undergoes natural changes that promote cataracts. These processes often begin gradually and are part of the normal ageing process.

The most important age-related factors:

• Loss of flexibility: The lens becomes more rigid over time and can no longer adapt its shape as well. This is the cause of presbyopia.
• Protein changes: The special proteins in the lens change. They partially clump together, which leads to the characteristic clouding of the lens.
• Decrease in light transmission: Deposits in the lens tissue reduce the ability to transmit light clearly and unhindered to the retina.

These changes often begin between the ages of 40 and 50, but only become noticeable later. The lens loses its original clarity, which causes those affected to feel as if they are looking through a veil. Blurred vision, reduced visual acuity and problems in poor lighting conditions, e.g. when driving, are typical symptoms.

Age is therefore the most common cause of cataracts, which is why they are often referred to as senile cataracts.

Other causes of cataracts: more than just age

1 Genetic predisposition: A risk factor

Some people develop cataracts earlier because they have a hereditary predisposition to them. Genetic factors can:

• Influence the metabolism of the lens of the eye.
• Certain protein changes in the lens are favorable.
• Cause turbidity even at a young age.

2. injuries to the lens (traumatic cataract)

Severe impacts, cuts or foreign bodies can permanently damage the lens. Such injuries can:

• Destroy the structure of the lens and thus lead to lens opacification.
• This can trigger inflammation, which further damages the lens.
  This form of cataract is known as cataracta traumatica.

3. infections and inflammations in the eye

Inflammatory processes such as uveitis or infections can affect the lens. These are particularly critical:

• Rubella infections during pregnancy, which can cause a congenital cataract in the unborn child.
• Chronic or acute inflammation that directly or indirectly damages the lens.

Clouding of the lens of the eye due to external influences (risk factors)

Not only age or genetic predisposition, but also external influences can promote the clouding of the lens of the eyeand accelerate the development of cataracts. The most important risk factors include

1. UV radiation and infrared radiation

• Long-term exposure to sunlight, especially UV rays, damages the lens and leads to the accumulation of free radicals.
• Cataracts are particularly common in regions with intense sunlight.
• Simple protective measure: wear sunglasses with UV protection.

2. smoking and pollutants

• Smoking exposes the lens to oxidative stress and promotes the formation of harmful deposits.
• Air pollution and toxic chemicals have a similarly damaging effect on the sensitive lens tissue.

3. nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition

• Antioxidant deficiency, e.g. due to an unbalanced diet, weakens the lens’ defense against oxidative damage.
• In developing countries, malnutrition combined with UV radiation promotes the early development of cataracts.

4. medication and diseases

• Long-term treatment with cortisone can lead to premature clouding of the lens.
• Diseases such as diabetes mellitus (diabetes) increase the sugar content in the aqueous humor, which can damage the lens and promote cataracts.

Recognizing symptoms of cataracts:

The typical symptoms of cataracts develop gradually and intensify over time. In the early stages, those affected often only notice minor changes, such as

• Blurred vision or blurred contours.
• Difficulty perceiving contrasts, especially in poor light, e.g. when driving at dusk.

At an advanced stage, the symptoms become more severe:

• Clouding of vision, as if you were looking through a veil.
• Increased sensitivity to light, especially in bright sunlight or car headlights.
• Colors appear paler and visual acuity decreases significantly.

If the cataract remains untreated, the progressive clouding of the lens can impair vision to such an extent that it can lead to complete blindness. However, timely intervention, such as cataract surgery, can prevent this.

Cataract surgery: Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures in the world. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, is quick, painless and often takes less than 20 minutes.

For many patients, lifestyle cataract surgery with modern multifocal lenses offers an additional quality of life: these special lenses simultaneously correct vision defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism. This means that patients can often completely dispense with glasses after the operation – even for near and distance vision. This technology turns cataracts into an opportunity to improve not only vision but also quality of life in the long term.

Cataract surgery is performed here: EyeLaser Vienna & Linz

Would you like to know whether cataract surgery is an option for you? Arrange a free and non-binding suitability test or a comprehensive preliminary examination with the experienced specialists / ophthalmologists at EyeLaser Vienna & Linz.

Your eyes will be comprehensively examined here and you will receive individual advice on the best treatment options. Secure your appointment now!