Causes – Are cataracts hereditary?

Age-related cataracts are rarely directly hereditary, though having close family members with cataracts may slightly increase your risk. Cataracts can also be congenital, meaning they are present at birth, sometimes due to inherited factors but often caused by other issues during pregnancy such as infections, metabolic problems, trauma, or reactions to medications. Congenital cataracts cause cloudy vision in the affected child and require surgery, usually within the first two months of life. Unlike adult cataract surgery, children may need lens replacements as they grow, and vision correction with contact lenses or glasses is often used after surgery.