What is the Average Age to Develop Cataracts?

Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process caused by progressive clouding of the lens of the eye. It is also the most common cause of blindness in the world and can be debilitating without treatment. Because cataracts are very common, and because they progress slowly, it can be difficult to know when to seek help for your condition.

Cataracts are more common in older people. By the age of 80, more than fifty percent of the population will have developed cataracts. However, for some people they may begin to develop as early as their 40s.

More people are seeking cataract surgery at an earlier age. Only one to two percent of cataract surgery patients are in their 40s, and only about 20 percent of all cataract surgeries are performed on patients younger than 65. This percentage is growing, though, as middle-aged people are more likely to seek treatment earlier with today’s emphasis on technology and working longer.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataracts, regardless of your age, you should visit our Mobile ophthalmology office for an eye exam. Dr. Chris Walton will advise you as to the best time to undergo cataract surgery, if this is in fact the appropriate treatment course for your needs.

Please contact Dr. Chris Walton using the form at the right side of the page or call 251-341-3385 today to schedule your free cataract consultation and diagnostic exam. We serve patients who live in the Mobile, Alabama and the surrounding Gulf Coast area including Pensacola, Florida.