Do I Have Increased Risk Of Getting Cataracts?

Are you 60 or older?

Do you have diabetes?

Do you have a family history of cataracts at a young age?

Do you overexpose yourself to the sun and UV rays for years (excessive sunbathing, tanning booths, sun lamps)?

Are you a smoker?

Are you obese (your BMI (body mass index) is 30 or higher)?

Do you have high blood pressure?

Have you had previous eye injury or inflammation?

Have you had previous eye surgery?

Do you use corticosteroid medications for an extended period of time?

Do you drink excessive amounts of alcohol (8 or more drinks per week for women, or 15 or more drinks per week for men)?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of getting cataracts. A cataract is an eye disorder that refers to the clouding of the lens of your eye. The lens is the clear part of the eye that participates in focusing light and creating an image of the observed object on the retina. Cataracts develop slowly over the years. In the beginning, cataracts can affect only a small part of the lens, so most people are not aware that they have a certain degree of vision loss. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more obvious. Cataracts are often described as "looking through a fogged-up window".

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of getting cataracts. A cataract is a painless condition characterized by the blurring of one part of the lens of your eye. The blurred part of the lens blocks the passage of light to the retina, causing vision problems. Depending on which part of the lens is blurred, there are several types of cataracts. At the beginning of the illness, wearing glasses can help you see well. In some people, cataracts will never become a serious disease, while in others it can cause visual impairment that interferes with daily activities. You should have your eyes examined regularly.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of getting cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the naturally clear part of the eye called the lens. The lens is mostly made of water and proteins. As you age, proteins can clump together and cause cloudiness in certain parts of the lens. In addition to changes in the eye associated with aging, cataracts are often the result of diseases such as diabetes, injuries, or an eye surgery. Cataracts can also be linked to genetics. Eye problems caused by cataracts can be solved with surgery, which is a safe and effective method of treatment.