[Risk factors in cataract].

Cataract is one of the major causes of blindness throughout the world. Considerable effort to elucidate risk factors for cataract has been undertaken in hopes that simple, preventive strategies may be implemented to avoid or delay the progression of lens opacification. Advanced age, female gender, poor education, lower socioeconomic status, high or low body mass index and heavy alcohol consumption are some risk factors for senile cataract. Smoking appears to provide an oxidative challenge associated with depletion of antioxidants as well as with enhanced risk for cataract formation. Multiple drugs are responsive in iatrogenic cataract. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pyruvate may have protective effects for senile cataract. Randomized clinical trials should be encouraged to find medical therapeutic ways to delay the cataract development.