Who is affected by cataracts

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. Cataracts are very common in older adults. They are slightly more common in women than men.¹

In the United States, cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in adults who are older than 65.

Cataracts are more common in people who live in sunny areas and less common in children than in older adults.

Some babies (about 1 in 5,000) are born with cataracts (congenital cataracts) or develop them shortly after birth.² It is very important to treat congenital cataracts that are causing significant vision problems before the child is 3 months old to prevent permanent vision loss or blindness.

Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: October 1, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
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