Is cataract a viral infection?

sarajane · Newbie Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 9

Hello! My grandfather has a cataract. He is eighty five years old. I heard that many old people have cataract and that almost 50% of Americans older then 80 had surgery of cataract. My friend says that a virus is the cause of cataract. I think he is wrong and we argue all the time because of it. Is cataract a viral infection?

lelah · Newbie Joined: 25 Nov 2005 Posts: 1

Hello! Cataract is not a viral infection. It develops from many reasons, advanced age, long-term ultraviolet exposure, exposure to radiation and diabetes. Cataracts may also be caused by injury, certain medications and alcoholism. Only connection of a virus and cataract is in congenital cataracts. Approximately 50% of the congenital cataracts are caused by Rubella virus infection.

Is cataract a viral infection?

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