Current research shows that over a third of people aged 55-64 years have cataract, varying from the early to late stage of cataract development.

Causes of cataracts

Cataracts develop as a normal part of the ageing process. Most cataracts develop as people get older, and usually they are first noticed around the age of 50-60.

As we age, proteins in the human crystalline lens can clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This clouding of the lens is a cataract, which over time grow larger, making it difficult to see - similar to when you get dirt on the lens of your camera.

Although cataracts occur mainly as part of the ageing process, they can be caused by:

diabetes - this can cause a secondary cataract to develop
an injury to the eye
exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight
medication use such as long-term use of steroid tablets
smoking
heavy drinking
a family history of cataracts