Cataracts can also appear in young people, be aware of the triggers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Ophthalmologist Florence Meilani Manurung states that cataracts do not only occur in the elderly but can appear in young people under certain conditions.

When contacted by ANTARA from Jakarta on Monday, Dr. Florence Meilani Manurung, Sp.M (K), explained that cataracts in young people are called juvenile cataracts.

“There is juvenile cataracts, but not as common as in old age or senile cataracts,” said the University of Indonesia graduate.

According to her, cataracts in productive age are generally triggered by factors such as eye trauma, metabolic problems like diabetes and hypertension, as well as severe myopia or high myopia.

Dr. Florence stated that eye trauma can be in the form of direct blows or punches to the eye or injuries from sharp objects hitting the eye area.

She added that health conditions like diabetes and hypertension can increase the risk of cataracts in young people.

In addition, the use of certain medications as well as genetic and environmental factors can also influence the risk of cataracts.

“This condition is often not realised from the start, especially in productive age who are still active,” she said.

She explained that cataracts are basically part of the natural ageing process, just like hair turning white and skin wrinkling.

Nevertheless, she said, the risk of cataracts can be reduced by trying to avoid factors that can trigger eye health problems.

Efforts to reduce the risk of cataracts can be done by wearing protective glasses when doing activities outdoors, avoiding eye injuries, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Cataracts are one of the main causes of blindness and vision impairment in the world. The Indonesian Ministry of Health recorded 600,000 to 650,000 blindness cases due to cataracts throughout 2025.

To address this eye health problem, the government provides eye screening services in the 2026 Free Health Check Programme (CKG) and ensures cataract surgery services are included in the National Health Insurance Programme (JKN).

The government in the 2025–2030 Vision Health Roadmap targets at least 60 percent of cataract sufferers to receive surgery services.

During 2025, cataract surgery services have reached 634,642 people or about 92 percent of the government’s target.