Cataracts in young people

Cataracts can appear earlier than expected, even in young people, but detecting them in time has a solution.

Although we usually associate cataracts with older age, they can also appear in young people and even in adults under 40 or 50 years old. These premature or secondary cataracts occur when the crystalline lens, the natural lens of the eye, loses its transparency and causes blurred vision, glare, or frequent changes in prescription.

The causes are varied. Eye trauma, even mild, can alter the structure of the crystalline lens and lead to progressive clouding. Prolonged use of corticosteroids, whether in tablets, inhalers or eye drops, is another common cause. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes also play a role, as they alter the internal composition of the crystalline lens, as do disorders of calcium metabolism. In some cases, there is a genetic or family predisposition, or cataracts may be present from birth (congenital cataracts) and appear later.

Lifestyle habits also play an important role. Excessive exposure to the sun without eye protection, smoking, alcohol, or a diet low in antioxidants can accelerate the ageing of the proteins in the crystalline lens and favour the early development of cataracts.

The symptoms are similar to those of age-related cataracts: cloudy vision, loss of contrast, increased sensitivity to light, or difficulty driving at night. If these signs appear, it is advisable to have a full ophthalmological examination to confirm the diagnosis and assess the most appropriate treatment.

Cataract surgery is now a safe and highly personalised procedure that allows the cloudy crystalline lens to be replaced with a transparent intraocular lens, while at the same time correcting defects such as myopia or astigmatism.

Although it is not always possible to prevent them, their onset can be delayed with simple measures: wearing sunglasses with UV protection, maintaining a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, avoiding tobacco, and controlling diseases such as diabetes.

Dr Jesús Téllez, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre.