As people age it is so common to develop various health conditions because as the body ages several hormonal and physical changes will start occurring this may become the reason for health crises it also includes eye health. Cataracts are one of the common eye conditions that occur due to the aging process in rare cases younger people can also get cataracts. A cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and that provokes vision impairment in an individual there is a common question among people whether cataracts can be hereditary from one generation to another, understanding the hereditary nature of cataracts will help you in taking the proactive steps to prevent and to monitor you are high health. Continue reading the below content that will give answers to all your questions and also guide you in taking care of your eye health.
What are cataracts?
The cloudiness of the lens is called cataract this condition usually occurs when the protein of the lens breaks down and clumps together it may cause the cloudy effect in the lens. The cloudiness may develop as time flies and most people will start noticing this when they are disrupting the vision. The symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, light sensitivity and also seeing hollows in bright lights.
Types of cataracts
The cataract is not a single thing there are certain types based on their causes and characteristics,
- Age-related cataracts are most common and typically they are because of the aging process of humans.
- Congenital cataracts, this type of cataract are seen in newborn babies and this may be due to hereditary reasons.
- Secondary cataracts, a type of cataracts caused by other medical conditions for example diabetes or taking long-time steroids can provoke cataracts in the future.
- Traumatic cataracts, this type of cataract is due to the injury of an eye.
Genetic link in cataracts
Various studies have shown that genetics can also play an important role in developing cataracts in an individual. The main reason behind age-related cataracts is due to the natural aging process and other environmental factors but in the case of congenital cataracts the gene that plays a very important role and provokes the cataract in an infant.
Congenital cataracts can be inherited from a parent to a young one either in autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive genetic variations. Several genes have also been identified in congenital cataracts which are the major components in inheriting the cataracts from one generation to another.
Hereditary risk factors in cataracts
Even though a person getting cataracts in their future aging may be a reason if an individual's family history has carried cataracts they are prone to develop cataracts in later days because of hereditary reasons. Not all cataracts in older adults are hereditary. The susceptibility factor of getting cataracts is increased so being proactive is very important to keep you out of cataracts.
Prevention and management
Through proper understanding of everyday aspects of cataracts will make you take steps to prevent and manage them. Here are a few tips,
- A regular eye examination will always help you in diagnosing the underlying condition or arousing issues that will help an individual in proper management.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will always save you from getting various health and high conditions.
- Being aware of your family history is important and discussing it with an eye care specialist is more important for an early intervention if it is needed.
Book your appointment
Even though cataracts are mostly associated with the aging process they can also transfer from one generation to another via hereditary factors. For those with a family history of cataracts get a regular high examination and visit the best eye hospital in cataracts like The Eye Foundation to get adequate prevention and treatment management of your health.
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