Besides age, which is a major risk factor for cataracts?

Besides age, which is a major risk factor for cataracts?

• A. Smoking
• B. High Cholesterol
• C. Diabetes
• D. Ultraviolet Exposure

Answer: (A)

Cataract risk is influenced by modifiable environmental factors in addition to aging, and some factors carry a stronger, more consistent association than others. Smoking stands out because many studies show a higher risk of developing cataracts among smokers, with the risk increasing as tobacco exposure (pack-years) rises. The lens is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress from cigarette smoke: free radicals and toxins overwhelm the eye’s antioxidant defenses, leading to damage of lens proteins and accelerated opacification. This mechanism helps explain why smoking is a strong, independent contributor to cataract formation beyond simply getting older. Ultraviolet exposure and diabetes are also important risk factors. Ultraviolet light can induce photo-oxidative damage to lens proteins, and diabetes accelerates cataract development through osmotic and metabolic disturbances. However, in many exam contexts, smoking is highlighted as a major, modifiable risk factor because of its robust and consistent association across populations and its clear dose-related relationship.

Cataract risk is influenced by modifiable environmental factors in addition to aging, and some factors carry a stronger, more consistent association than others. Smoking stands out because many studies show a higher risk of developing cataracts among smokers, with the risk increasing as tobacco exposure (pack-years) rises. The lens is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress from cigarette smoke: free radicals and toxins overwhelm the eye’s antioxidant defenses, leading to damage of lens proteins and accelerated opacification. This mechanism helps explain why smoking is a strong, independent contributor to cataract formation beyond simply getting older.

Ultraviolet exposure and diabetes are also important risk factors. Ultraviolet light can induce photo-oxidative damage to lens proteins, and diabetes accelerates cataract development through osmotic and metabolic disturbances. However, in many exam contexts, smoking is highlighted as a major, modifiable risk factor because of its robust and consistent association across populations and its clear dose-related relationship.