Presbyopia is a universal phenomenon. Cataract Formation Cataract formation is also a consequence of aging, although it is by no means a universal finding like presbyopia. There are other causes of cataracts. These may include inherited conditions, trauma or exposure to microwave or UV radiation . Pilots are at risk for microwave radiation-induced lens damage if they were to repeatedly stand in front of an operating weather radar on the ground.
Cataracts are irregular collections of protein densities within the lens.
These imperfections distort light flow through the lens. This is analogous to imperfections in a diamond or cracks in a clear ice cube. The lens begins to cloud as a cataract grows. Cataracts tend to be progressive in size and density, obscuring vision as they grow. They consolidate in a process called maturation.