Cataracts: The Causes And Symptoms

Prolonged Use Of Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids describe medications that help with immune system suppression and the reduction of inflammation. While this action may seem counterintuitive when it comes to the healing of injury and illness, corticosteroids are very helpful in the long-term management of numerous conditions. Some of these conditions include lupus, allergies, Addison's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. This type of drug is also used in individuals who have received transplants to prevent their body from rejecting the donor organ.

Cataract development is a known risk of taking high doses or long-term courses of corticosteroids. The type of cataract most associated with the use of corticosteroids is called a posterior subcapsular cataract, which forms more quickly than other types and is located in the region towards the back of the individual's lens. Posterior subcapsular cataracts cause an affected individual to have vision problems, and particularly with their ability to see objects close up.

Smoking

Research shows individuals who smoke may experience cataract symptoms earlier in life compared to those who do not smoke, and their risk increases the more they smoke. Smoking also raises an individual's risk of developing other eye disorders, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Reportedly, smokers are about three times more likely to develop cataracts than the rest of the population. Medications and therapies, such as patches and special gum, are available to help smokers kick the habit. Some individuals can stop smoking cold turkey while others need to reduce the amount they smoke gradually.