Because Bascom Palmer Eye Institute's physicians are among the most advanced ophthalmologists in the world, they are prepared to answer any questions you may have relating to vision and its preservation. Therefore, we hope you will take advantage of this column and thereby assure that you and your loved ones have the information necessary for a lifetime of lasting vision.
Cataracts are multi-factorial.
However, we do know that time, aging, and hereditary factors all play a role in their development. Cataract formation can also be accelerated by trauma, diabetes, sunlight, and certain medication. However, an ophthalmologist has to be sure that these symptoms are really caused by a cataract and not some other eye problem that may need treatment. What matters is whether or not the problem is interfering with one's vision. In this case, it must be removed immediately.