Can Young People Get Cataracts? Causes and Prevention Explained
Cataract is often considered an age-related condition, but many people are surprised to learn that young adults and even children can develop cataracts too. While aging is the most common cause, other factors can lead to early clouding of the eye’s natural lens. At Sri Onkar Eye & ENT Care Centre, Ambala, Dr. Jaspreet Aggarwal, a leading Eye Specialist and Ophthalmologist, provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for all types of cataracts — including those occurring in younger individuals.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract forms when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. In young people, cataracts can develop in one or both eyes and may progress slowly or quickly, depending on the underlying cause.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Difficulty reading or seeing in bright light
- Faded colors
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Can Young People Really Get Cataracts?
Yes, cataracts are not limited to older adults. Several types of cataracts can appear in young people, teenagers, and even infants, such as:
- Congenital Cataracts: Present at birth due to genetic factors or infections during pregnancy.
- Traumatic Cataracts: Caused by eye injury or trauma.
- Secondary Cataracts: Resulting from diseases like diabetes or long-term steroid use.
- Radiation-Induced Cataracts: Caused by exposure to UV rays or radiation.
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of early cataract development.
Common Causes of Early Cataracts
- Genetic Predisposition: Family history of early cataracts.
- Diabetes or Metabolic Disorders: High blood sugar damages the lens.
- Injury to the Eye: Direct trauma can cause lens opacity.
- Excessive UV Exposure: Prolonged sunlight exposure without protection.
- Medications: Long-term steroid or certain drug use.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor nutrition, smoking, or dehydration.
Prevention Tips for Young People
While not all cataracts can be prevented, adopting healthy eye care habits can significantly lower the risk:
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, lutein, and zeaxanthin).
- Control diabetes and blood sugar levels.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Have regular eye check-ups, especially if there’s a family history of cataract or vision problems.
Early detection through routine eye exams at Sri Onkar Eye & ENT Care Centre, Ambala can help manage the condition before it severely affects vision.
Treatment Options at Sri Onkar Eye & ENT Care Centre
For young individuals diagnosed with cataracts, Dr. Jaspreet Aggarwal offers advanced phacoemulsification and bladeless cataract surgery — safe, painless, and providing rapid visual recovery. Using premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), the surgery restores natural vision clarity and reduces dependency on glasses.
Every treatment plan is customized based on the patient’s age, eye condition, and lifestyle to ensure the best results.