Background: Cataract is a major cause of blindness in our community. This study was done in the context of the increased burden of the cataract blindness in our country especially cataract developing at a much earlier age than expected. There are probably many causes of cataract, with many different toxic substances producing cataract, but the major alleged risk factors include diabetes, radiation of various kinds (sunlight, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation), diarrhoea and malnutrition, smoking, alcoholism, renal failure, drugs like steroids, diuretics, strong miotics, major tranquilizers, and genetic factors. The problem of ‘who develops cataract’ may well be determined by environmental insults as well.

Aim of the Study: The present study is aimed at identifying the various risk factors involved in cataract formation in cataract patients of the age group 35-50 yrs attending the department of ophthalmology in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods: The present study is a hospital based case-control study. A total of 100 cases and 100 controls were selected, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Controls were selected after matching for age (± 2 years) and sex with the cases. The information for the study was collected using a semi- structured pre-tested proforma. The data collected were transferred to a master chart, and necessary tables were prepared. The chi square test and odds ratio were applied to bring out the significance of the association of risk factors.

Results: Residents in coastal area, outdoor occupation, prolonged sunlight exposure, low educational status, positive family history, hypertension, diabetes, systemic steroid intake, elevated fasting blood sugar, high serum calcium level, low serum cholesterol are associated with increased risk for cataract. 

Conclusion: The present study suggest a multifactorial aetiology in cataractogenesis, where various risk factors accelerate lens opacification, perhaps through the common pathway of oxidative damage.

Keywords: Cataractogenesis, risk factor.