Radiation cataract1- Ionizing radiationIonizing radiation like X-rays, beta rays, gamma rays and neutrons can cause radiation cataract.Most of these radiations can cause ionization of water with generation of free radicals such as hydroxyl and hydrogen radicals. These agents are powerful reducing agents that will damage cellular DNA and cause damages and errors in protein synthesis and cataract formation. Formation of cataract can occur in a period ranging from 2 to 10 years and sometimes more and this period will depend on the age of the patients and the dose of radiation
2- Infrared radiationBefore the availability of protective lenses or goggles, infrared radiation was the cause of cataract formation in glassblowers workers and furnace workers and the name of this cataract is glassblowers cataracts.The mechanism of cataract formation is temperature rise of the iris and the lens. 3- Ultraviolet lightUltraviolet radiation source is the sunlight. With chronic exposure to sunlight there will be increase in the risk of cataract formation, possibly via the generations of reducing agents and free radicals.4- Microwave radiationThere is correlation between microwave radiation and eye cataracts formation especially if you are close to the microwave ovenTreatment and preventionOnce cataracts are formed ,and the visual acuity is reduced the only way of treatment is surgery.We can prevent or reduce the incidence of radiation cataracts formation by avoiding excessive sunlight exposure, wear sunglasses with UV absorbing glasses, wearing hat with a brim to reduce the affect of sunlight on your eyes and wearing protective lenses for glassblowers workers. Poor nutrition will decrease the level of antioxidants in your body which will make you susceptible for free radicals damage.
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