Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss. Although they are most common in older individuals, cataracts can develop at any age. In fact, babies are rarely born with cataracts. Sooner or later, if we live long enough, we all develop cataracts. Ninety-five percent of people over the age of 65 have some degree of cataract formation.
Cataracts develop faster in some people than in others.
A variety of factors can cause cataracts to develop sooner than they would otherwise. In this operation, the cataract is removed, clearing the pathway for light entering the eye. It is estimated that over a half million cataract operations are done in the United States, alone, each year. When a cataract operation is performed, vision can be returned to normal. Thus, people who would otherwise be severely disabled can continue to be productive and independent after cataract surgery.