Definition & Etiology

Definition

• Progressive clouding of the natural lens in the eye, causing reduced visual acuity

Prevalence

• Common in the over 60s
• Can occur in children (congenital cataracts)

Etiology

• Age-related (most common)
• Trauma
• Prolonged UVB exposure
• Corticosteroid use
• Family history
• Smoking
• Eye diseases
• Systemic conditions, e.g. diabetes
• Congenital causes
• Idiopathic
• Hereditary/genetic: Down’s syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Marfan syndrome
• Infections: rubella, cytomegalovirus, HSV