Cataract and systemic disease: A review

We review the current literature regarding the risk factors for cataract and the association between cataract and systemic disease. Numerous epidemiologic studies have found that the risk factors for age-related cataract formation include age, sex, race and myopia. Modifiable risk factors include smoking, socioeconomic status and ultra-violet light exposure. Alcohol intake and nutritional status may play a role in cataract formation. Cataract has been associated with many systemic diseases mainly diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease and autoimmune disease. Cataract is also a hallmark of many metabolic disorders and syndromes. These findings are important to help implement risk factor and lifestyle-modification strategies that can hopefully decrease the burden of global cataract blindness.