Causes and Symptoms of Cataract Causes and Symptoms of Cataract Causes and Cataract Development Cataracts develop as a normal part of the aging process. By the age of 60 about half of all people will have some cataract formation although it may be minor and not noticeable. By 70 years of age almost everyone will have some degree of cataract formation. Other causes of cataract may include family history, medical conditions such as diabetes, injury to the eye, medications such as steroids, various chronic eye diseases, and long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight.
Cataracts usually develop slowly and at a different rate in each eye.
The rate of cataract formation will also vary among individuals - it is not possible to predict how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. Most cataracts associated with aging progress gradually over a period of years. The University of Melbourne 1994-2000. Disclaimer and Copyright Information .