Others remain unchanged for many years. Historically, cataracts were common among such ancient peoples as the Sumeri, Egyptians, and Ind . Most people develop some lens clouding after age 60 years. Most people develop the problem in both eyes, although clouding in one eye may be worse than in the other. Many people do not know they have cataracts.
Cataracts have many causes.
These may not affect vision. A family may have a history of developing cataracts. Certain metabolic disorders may cause cataracts. In many cases, the cause of cataracts is unknown. Factors that may contribute to cataract development include low serum calcium levels, diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroids, and other inflammatory and metabolic disorders.