Traumatic Cataracts

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CATARACT SURGERY

Dr. Robert Maloney believes that a well-informed patient is key to successful vision correction surgery. He wants to be sure that you fully understand what you can expect from your procedure you choose. He wants to help you care for and preserve your eyesight in the best way possible. Here, you can find the information that you need to help you make informed choices about health care for your eyes.

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CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

TRAUMATIC CATARACTS

Eye injuries, caused by sharp objects or a direct blow to the eye, can cause traumatic cataracts. Traumatic cataracts may also form as a result of a head injury near the eye, earlier eye surgery, eye inflammation, chemical burns, and electric shock.

Some scientists consider radiation a form of "slow trauma" that contributes to cataract development. Overexposure to radiation can come from numerous sources, including:

Sunlight (ultraviolet light), which is most intense at the equator and accounts for a higher incidence of cataracts among inhabitants of lower latitudes. (Researchers expect this problem to worsen with continued depletion of the ozone layer.)
Cosmic radiation, which particularly affects commercial airline pilots and astronauts
Infrared (heat) radiation, usually as a result of prolonged occupational exposure (by glassblowers, for example-hence the term glassblower's cataract)
Intense artificial light, such as that used in arc welding
Radiation therapy near the eye

Other Risk Factors