Causes of Cataracts

Question: I have a question about getting a cataract. What are the probable causes of a 70 year old male needing a right eye cataract removal with intraocular lens implants? Are they a good candidate for this procedure?

Answer: The most likely reason a 70 year old male would get a Cataract and need a Cataract removal and Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) is simply age. In the United States, the incidence of senile Cataract has been reported to be approximately 42% in those aged 52 to 64, 60% in those aged 65 to 74 and 91% in those aged 75 to 85. Thus increasing age is factor in developing a Cataract. Other factors that increase the risk of developing Cataracts includes diabetes, a family history of Cataracts, eye injury or inflammation, the use of steroid medications, exposure to excessive sunlight and ionizing radiation as well as smoking and obesity. If patients are in good general health and their Cataract Surgeon suggests that they are good candidates there is every reason to believe that they will do well.

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