Can you get cataracts from eye trauma?

Traumatic cataracts occur secondary to blunt or penetrating ocular trauma. Infrared energy (glass-blower’s cataract), electric shock, and ionizing radiation are other rare causes of traumatic cataracts.

What are traumatic cataracts?

Traumatic cataract is a clouding of the lens that may occur after either blunt or penetrating ocular trauma that disrupts the lens fibers. Most traumatic cataracts are intumescent, but their type and clinical course depend on trauma mechanism and the integrity of the capsular bag.

How long do traumatic cataracts take to develop?

Traumatic cataracts can occur immediately after an eye injury or, in some cases, months or even years later. While cataracts that result from trauma can present unique challenges compared to age-related cataracts, skilled and experienced eye surgeons such as Dr.

What kind of trauma causes a traumatic cataract?

Chemical trauma:This type of trauma refers to the penetration of the eye by a chemical substance, resulting in a change in the composition of the lens fibers to cause a traumatic cataract. Radiation trauma:Radiation exposure, especially among children, can damage the lens and cause a traumatic cataract.

Can a tear of the lens cause cataract?

A full tear of the lens is also possible, along with injury to other parts of the eye. Chemical trauma:This type of trauma refers to the penetration of the eye by a chemical substance, resulting in a change in the composition of the lens fibers to cause a traumatic cataract.

What causes a cataract in the left eye?

It’s a natural part of the aging process. However, a cataract can form for a number of different reasons besides age. Another common cause is trauma to the eye – blunt or penetrating ocular trauma, electric shock, chemical burns, or ionizing radiation.

What is the prognosis for traumatic cataract surgery?

Between 1985-1991, a National Eye Trauma System study reported a median age of 28 years in 648 assault-related cases. The prognosis is dependent on the extent of the injury. Protective eyewear is important in high-risk activities to avoid injury. For patient education resources, see the Eye & Vision Center as well as Cataracts.

What can cause cataract?

Other causes of cataracts include diabetes, trauma to the eye, smoking, certain medications (corticosteroids and phenothiazines), high alcohol intake, unprotected ultraviolet (UV) exposure, nutritional deficiency, and eye surgery. In rare cases, cataracts may be present at birth or shortly thereafter.

What is cause cataracts?

Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up your eye’s lens. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts can also be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes.

What do cataracts look like?

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. It can look like a speckle, crystal or stripe. If the cataract is large or dense enough, it can cause blurry vision or block vision. Most cataracts are partial (not involving the whole lens), but they can sometimes be complete (involving the whole lens). A cataract may be in one eye or both eyes.

Can head trauma cause cataracts?

Getting a blow, hit, or trauma to the head can possibly cause cataracts to form. This type of head injury can result in a traumatic cataract as shown in the picture below.