Unbelievable! Can children also get cataracts?

Most patients know very little about cataracts. Today we will learn in advance that cataracts are a blinding eye disease that must not be taken lightly. Ignoring it may result in blindness.

Is cataract an old age disease?

Lei Rong, deputy chief physician and cataract and presbyopia specialist at Wuhan University Aier Eye Hospital (Aier Eye Hospital Group Hubei General Hospital), explained: Although cataracts are mostly seen in the elderly, they are not exclusive to the elderly. It is not uncommon for young people to suffer from cataracts. Long-term exposure of the eyes to strong ultraviolet rays can damage the lens and cause cataracts.

Diabetes or other metabolic diseases can cause lens degeneration by affecting the body's metabolism, and are also common causes of cataracts.

Radioactive factors, most commonly infrared damage. For example, workers in glass factories and steel factories have a high incidence of cataracts due to the infrared rays generated during the production process. In addition, there are also infrared rays in the sun, so pay attention to timely sun protection when going out for a long time.

Certain drugs can also increase the risk of cataracts, such as common glucocorticoids, which can affect the lens if used in large quantities and for a long time.

Traumatic cataracts. Eye injuries can also damage the lens and induce cataracts. Such as blunt trauma, blast shock, electric shock, etc. Therefore, after an eye injury, you should go to the hospital for treatment in time and have regular checkups if necessary to avoid delaying treatment.

In addition, congenital cataracts are an important cause of blindness in children in my country. In addition to genetic factors, maternal infection with rubella virus or varicella virus in early pregnancy and malnutrition during pregnancy can affect the development of the fetal lens and lead to congenital cataracts.

How to prevent cataracts?

Scientific Eyes

Avoid looking at electronic screens such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc. for long periods of time; avoid strong light exposing your eyes, and it is recommended to wear sunglasses when the light outdoors is strong.

Control endocrine and metabolic diseases

If diabetic patients have poor blood sugar control, it will change the osmotic pressure and curvature of the lens, and also affect the metabolism of the lens. Over time, diabetic cataracts will occur. Excessive blood sugar can also damage the retina. Even if diabetic patients have good blood sugar control, they should have an eye examination every year to detect diabetes-related eye diseases at an early stage.

See an ophthalmologist promptly

Director Lei Rong reminds: If you feel discomfort in your eyes, go to the ophthalmology department in time. Early diagnosis and early treatment are the magic weapon for disease prevention and treatment. In short, actively prevent cataracts, pay attention to eye care, and see a doctor in time if there is any problem. Once diagnosed, follow the doctor's advice and receive scientific treatment.