{"id":29712,"date":"2025-01-09T17:48:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T16:48:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/where-does-cataract-come-from-an-overview-of-the-most-common-causes\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T11:56:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T09:56:00","slug":"where-does-cataract-come-from-an-overview-of-the-most-common-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/where-does-cataract-come-from-an-overview-of-the-most-common-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Where does cataract come from? An overview of the most common causes:"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cataracts<\/strong> 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<\/strong> until even everyday activities such as reading or driving<\/strong> become a problem. But what exactly causes the lens to suddenly become “foggy”? Is it really just age? Or are there hidden risk factors<\/strong> that we should be aware of? <\/p>\n\n

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

What cataracts are: Physiological cause<\/h2>\n\n

The lens in the eye has two main functions:<\/p>\n\n

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

    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<\/strong>, this structure changes: <\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • Proteins clump together or rearrange themselves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Light can no longer pass through unhindered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Scattered light occurs and the image on the retina becomes blurred or hazy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

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

      Causes of clouding of the lens of the eye in cataracts<\/h2>\n\n

      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 <\/p>\n\n

      Age-related changes to the lens <\/h3>\n\n

      With increasing age, the lens undergoes natural changes that promote cataracts. These processes often begin gradually and are part of the normal ageing process<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

      The most important age-related factors:<\/p>\n\n

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

        These changes often begin between the ages of 40 and 50<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> and problems in poor lighting conditions, e.g. when driving<\/strong>, are typical symptoms. <\/p>\n\n

        Age is therefore the most common cause of cataracts<\/strong>, which is why they are often referred to as senile cataracts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

        Other causes of cataracts: more than just age <\/h3>\n\n

        1 Genetic predisposition: A risk factor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

        Some people develop cataracts earlier because they have a hereditary predisposition to them. Genetic factors can: <\/p>\n\n

          \n
        • Influence the metabolism of the lens of the eye<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Certain protein changes in the lens are favorable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Cause turbidity even at a young age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

          2. injuries to the lens (traumatic cataract)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

          Severe impacts, cuts or foreign bodies can permanently damage the lens. Such injuries can: <\/p>\n\n

            \n
          • Destroy the structure of the lens and thus lead to lens opacification<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • This can trigger inflammation, which further damages the lens.This form of cataract is known as cataracta traumatica<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

            3. infections and inflammations in the eye<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

            Inflammatory processes such as uveitis or infections can affect the lens. These are particularly critical: <\/p>\n\n

              \n
            • Rubella infections during pregnancy<\/strong>, which can cause a congenital cataract in the unborn child.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Chronic or acute inflammation that directly or indirectly damages the lens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

              Clouding of the lens of the eye due to external influences (risk factors)<\/h3>\n\n

              Not only age or genetic predisposition, but also external influences can promote the clouding of the lens of the eye<\/strong>and accelerate the development of cataracts. The most important risk factors include <\/p>\n\n

              1. UV radiation and infrared radiation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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

                2. smoking and pollutants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                  \n
                • Smoking exposes the lens to oxidative stress and promotes the formation of harmful deposits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Air pollution and toxic chemicals have a similarly damaging effect on the sensitive lens tissue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                  3. nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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

                    4. medication and diseases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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

                      Recognizing symptoms of cataracts: <\/h2>\n\n

                      The typical symptoms of cataracts<\/strong> develop gradually and intensify over time. In the early stages, those affected often only notice minor changes, such as <\/p>\n\n

                        \n
                      • Blurred vision<\/strong> or blurred contours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Difficulty perceiving contrasts, especially in poor light, e.g. when driving at dusk<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                        At an advanced stage, the symptoms become more severe:<\/p>\n\n

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

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

                          Cataract surgery: Cataract surgery <\/h2>\n\n

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

                          For many patients, cataract surgery<\/strong> with modern multifocal lenses<\/strong> offers an additional quality of life: these special lenses simultaneously correct vision defects such as short-sightedness<\/strong>, long-sightedness<\/strong> or astigmatism<\/strong>. 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<\/strong> but also quality of life<\/strong> in the long term. <\/p>\n\n

                          Cataract surgery is performed here: EyeLaser Vienna & Linz<\/h3>\n\n

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

                          Your eyes will be comprehensively examined here and you will receive individual advice on the best treatment options. Secure your appointment now!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases worldwide – and one of the most underestimated. Clear vision is…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":29068,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[171,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cataract-surgery","category-grauer-star-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29712"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29712\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}