Although cataracts result from many conditions, the most frequent cause is the natural aging process. Other causes may include eye trauma, chronic eye disease, and other medical conditions such as diabetes. As we age, our eyes change in a gradual, predictable manner. During this time, the lens begins to break down its normal proteins; this causes cloudy lenses. By the time people reach their 60s, their lenses have usually started to cloud. Despite this, vision problems are not always immediately apparent.
Cataracts can take from a few months to several years to develop. Certain medications can accelerate the development of cataracts. Sometimes, the cataract stops developing in its early stages and vision is only slightly decreased. But if it continues to develop then it impairs vision and requires surgical removal.