15 Rarely Realized Causes of Cataracts and How to Prevent Them
Cataracts are often associated with health problems in older adults, and data shows that 50% to 70% of cataract cases occur in people aged 65 or older.[1] However, cataracts do not appear out of nowhere. Various habits or risk factors you may have had since you were young can be a cause of cataracts in old age or even earlier.
Let's learn what causes cataracts and how to prevent them here!
Causes of Cataracts
A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it difficult for the individual to see objects clearly. In serious cases, this condition can even lead to blindness.
While this condition is indeed more common in older adults, data in Indonesia shows that 20% of blindness cases caused by cataracts actually affect individuals in their 40s.[1] This proves that old age is not the only cause of this condition.
So, what can trigger it?
1. Not Protecting the Eyes from Sunlight

Sunglasses are not just a fashion item; they also serve a greater purpose: protecting your eyes from sunlight.
Sunlight exposure can trigger oxidative stress that damages the structure of the lens. In fact, around 20% of cataract cases are caused by damage caused by UV rays.[2]
2. Smoking

People who chew tobacco or smoke electronic cigarettes are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts.[3] The main factor is the increase in free radicals in the body that occurs when someone smokes.
3. Alcohol Consumption

Another cause of cataracts is alcohol consumption at a young age. Alcohol can trigger the formation of free radicals, which then cause protein clumps in the lens of the eye, the effects of which you may not feel until you are older.
4. Rubbing Your Eyes Frequently

Rubbing your eyes is often a reflex, especially when you first wake up. However, this habit can also trigger cataracts. This is because the pressure and friction caused by repeatedly rubbing your eyes can damage the structure of the lens.
5. Using Eye Drops Containing Steroids

Using eye drops containing steroids can be a cause of cataracts at a young age. Prolonged use is believed to disrupt the eye's natural processes and cause chemical changes that affect eye health.
6. Continuous Exposure to Blue Light

Blue light refers to the light emitted by electronic devices such as TVs, phones, and computers. Excessive exposure can stimulate the production of ROS (a type of free radical that can damage body tissues) in the lens of the eye.[4]
7. Diabetes

In people with diabetes, high blood sugar causes structural changes in the eye, which eventually accelerates the development of cataracts. Data shows that around 10% of people with cataracts also have diabetes.[5]
8. Obesity

A cause of cataracts that you may not expect is being overweight.
Obesity is often accompanied by the development of diabetes, which is also a major risk factor for cataracts. Data shows that 18% to 20% of people with obesity also have diabetes.[6]
9. Poor Nutrition

A lack of antioxidants in the body, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, increases the risk of cataracts because excessive free radicals are one of the main triggers of cataracts.
10. Eye Injury

Eye injuries caused by severe impact or the entry of sharp objects, such as glass shards or pencil tips, can cause traumatic cataracts.
11. High-Salt Food Consumption

High sodium (salt) consumption can cause an increase in fluid and cloudiness in the lens of the eye due to changes in the capacity of sodium channels.[7] This is one of the factors contributing to the development of cataracts.
12. Medication Consumption

Taking phenothiazine antipsychotic medications and medications containing steroid hormones can trigger cataracts.
13. Genetics

Around 25% of cataract cases occurring from birth are caused by genetic factors, showing that genetics play an important role in this condition.[8]
14. Aging

Around age 40, proteins in the eye begin to break down and clump together, making the lens cloudy and vision difficult.[9]
15. Untreated Eye Inflammation

Eye problems that you do not address immediately will make eye inflammation worse and affect eye health.
How to Prevent Cataracts?
There are several ways to prevent cataracts, including:
1. Leave All Bad Habits Behind

Instead of smoking and drinking alcohol, consume healthy snacks and drinks to meet the body's need for vitamins and antioxidants. For example, drink orange juice to meet your vitamin C needs and eat nuts to meet your vitamin E needs.
2. Reduce TV and Phone Screen Time

To prevent the harmful effects of blue light on your eyes, it is important to limit screen time. In addition, do not forget to give your eyes a break by looking at the surrounding scenery, not just focusing on the screen.
3. Consume Sido Muncul Herbal Bilberry Carrot

Containing carrots and bilberries that are good for the eyes, Sido Muncul Herbal Bilberry Carrotwill help maintain your eye health. With its vitamin A, C, and B12 content, this supplement will also meet your antioxidant needs, which are important for minimizing the risk of cataracts.
Don't wait until it's too late! Fight the causes of cataracts and regularly consume Sido Muncul Bilberry to always maintain your eye health!
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