Cataracts can develop from normal aging, from an eye injury, or if you have taken medications known as steroids. Older people are generally more at risk of developing cataracts than younger people. Approximately 60% of people ages 60 and older have their vision significantly affected by cataract formation. For people over age 55, cataracts are the leading cause of reversible vision loss. Diabetes, heredity, eye trauma, and certain medications can accelerate cataract development, and there is some evidence that smoking can also accelerate cataract development.