Nearly everyone who lives long enough will develop cataracts to some extent. And as the average age of the United States population rises, more people will develop cataracts. Women face a higher risk than men do, and women who started menstruating late are at an even higher risk for cataracts. Rarely, about once in every 10,000 births, a baby is born with congenital cataracts, usually because of an infection during pregnancy or an inherited disorder. Surgery in children with early-onset cataracts can help correct this problem, but it should be performed as soon as possible for full benefit.
Experts recommend routine examination of the face of a fetus during ultrasound for abnormalities.
A recent study indicated that African Americans may have a higher risk for developing cataracts in the first place than other American ethnic groups, possibly because they also carry higher risk factors for conditions that can cause cataracts, particularly diabetes. Children on inhaled or nasal-spray steroids do not seem to face a high risk for cataracts but adults may. People who take certain other medications may also be at risk for cataracts. Exposure to Sunlight Exposure to even low-level UVB radiation from sunlight increases the risk for cataracts, and the longer the exposure the higher the risk. Similarly, the closer people live to the equator the greater the chance for cataracts.