Last updated: 03/11/2025
Cataracts form when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy, scattering light and blurring contrast.
Understanding what causes cataracts helps you act early—especially in sunny cities like Dubai where UV exposure is high. Below, eye specialists at Magrabi Health Hospitals explain the main causes, risk factors (including in young adults), prevention tips, and when to see a doctor—clearly, calmly, and without hype.
Worried about blurred vision? Book your personalized consultation today at Magrabi Health Hospitals.
The lens sits behind the iris and focuses light onto the retina. With age and other stressors, lens proteins denature and clump. This increases light scatter, reduces contrast sensitivity, and shifts color perception (often yellowing). The process is gradual, typically affecting night driving and glare first. Knowing why cataracts occur gives you leverage to protect your sight.
Below are the medically established explanations for what causes cataracts. Each subsection outlines how these factors affect the eye and offers simple, practical ways to prevent them.
As we age, oxidative stress and reduced protein turnover in the lens lead to opacities. Most people develop some degree of age-related change after 50. Oxidation and glycation (sugar-related changes) stiffen and cloud the lens over time.
Short-wavelength ultraviolet (especially UV-B) accelerates oxidative damage in lens proteins. In Dubai’s bright climate, cumulative outdoor exposure is a key risk factor for cataract. Consistent use of sunglasses with UV400 protection and a brimmed hat meaningfully lowers risk.
High glucose drives sorbitol accumulation in the lens (polyol pathway), altering water balance and lens clarity. Fluctuating or high HbA1c levels are linked with earlier, faster cataract development. Tight metabolic control reduces this risk.
Tobacco increases systemic oxidative stress and depletes antioxidants critical to lens health (e.g., vitamins C and E). Diets low in fruits, vegetables, and micronutrients correlate with higher cataract rates. Stopping smoking and improving nutrition support lens integrity.
Blunt or penetrating trauma can disrupt lens fibers, causing a traumatic cataract—sometimes rapidly. Long-term systemic or topical corticosteroids may induce posterior subcapsular opacities. Prior intraocular surgery and chronic uveitis also increase risk.
Cataracts can occur earlier in life. Understanding what causes cataracts in young adults helps identify and manage the factors that can be prevented.
Genetic or congenital predisposition: Some lenses are more vulnerable due to inherited protein variants.
Eye trauma: Sports injuries, accidents, or occupational hazards can cloud the lens months to years later.
Metabolic disorders: Early-onset diabetes or other systemic conditions increase risk.
Medications and inflammation: Prolonged steroid use or recurrent uveitis may trigger opacities.
In short, why cataracts happen at a young age is usually a combination of genetics, environment, and medical history—best clarified by a specialist evaluation.
Before we list them, note that a single factor rarely acts alone; cataract is typically multifactorial. These “silent” contributors raise your baseline risk.
If first-degree relatives had early or significant cataracts, your risk is higher. This doesn’t guarantee disease, but it supports earlier screening.
Construction, marine, aviation, and other outdoor roles increase UV exposure and heat stress to the lens. Protective eyewear and break schedules help.
Hypertension, obesity, and systemic inflammatory conditions contribute via vascular and oxidative pathways. Long-term steroid therapy (oral, inhaled, or topical) is a known risk.
Recurrent uveitis, high myopia, and prior intraocular procedures (e.g., retinal surgery) raise the chance of lens changes. Tailored follow-up is essential.
Specialists at Magrabi Health Hospitals consider these cataract risk factors during a comprehensive eye assessment—so the advice you receive is specific to your eyes,not generic checklists. Visit our Cataract Care page to learn more.
A brief primer before the tips: prevention focuses on lowering oxidative and UV stress while controlling systemic disease.
Wear UV-blocking sunglasses (UV400) + a brimmed hat. Reduces cumulative lens damage in Dubai’s high-sun environment.
Stop smoking. Within months, oxidative markers improve; long-term risk declines.
Adopt an antioxidant-rich diet. Citrus, berries, leafy greens, nuts, and legumes support lens proteins.
Control diabetes and blood pressure. Stable HbA1c and BP protect microvasculature and the lens.
Schedule routine eye exams. Early detection of subtle changes helps plan protection and timing of treatment.
A short orientation: mild cataracts can be observed; intervention depends on symptoms and daily needs.
Increasing glare/halos (especially at night).
Blurry or dim vision not fixed by new glasses.
Colors look yellowed or less vibrant.
Double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia).
If you suspect a problem, an ophthalmologist can determine what causes cataracts in your case and guide you on the next steps for treatment.
Here’s what to expect in a specialist-led visit:
Refraction and slit-lamp exam: Defines cataract type and severity.
Ocular surface and retina checks (± OCT): Rules out other causes of blur.
Biometry and IOL planning: Measures eye length and corneal power to select a lens.
When daily life is affected, surgery replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Options include:
Monofocal IOL: Clear distance vision; reading glasses often needed.
Toric IOL: Corrects corneal astigmatism.
Presbyopia-correcting IOLs (multifocal/EDOF): Reduce dependence on glasses across distances.
Choice depends on eye health, lifestyle, and goals—decided with your surgeon.
Prices vary for legitimate reasons:
Lens type and technology: Toric and presbyopia-correcting IOLs cost more than monofocal.
Diagnostic workup and surgical setting: Advanced imaging and premium facilities affect fees.
Co-existing eye conditions: Additional procedures (e.g., astigmatism management) influence cost.
Insurance: Coverage differs by plan and medical necessity.
Understanding what causes cataracts turns a vague worry into a practical plan.
With specialist guidance, UV protection, healthy habits, and timely surgery when needed, vision can be protected—and often dramatically improved.
Book your expert eye consultation at Magrabi Health Hospitals
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) — Cataract: causes and risk factors.
National Eye Institute (NEI), U.S. — Cataract fact sheets and research highlights.
NHS (UK) — Cataracts: causes, symptoms, and treatment overview.
Mayo Clinic — Cataracts: clinical overview and patient education.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Cataract symptoms and treatment options can vary from one patient to another. Always consult a licensed ophthalmologist or qualified eye specialist for personalized diagnosis and management.
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist
Magrabi Health – Abu Dhabi Branch.
