Cataract Awareness Month: Shedding Light on Vision Health
June is Cataract Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common eye conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness, especially among older adults. Understanding cataracts, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining healthy vision.
Cataract; what is it might you ask?
A cataract is when your vision gets cloudy and hazy. Picture it like this; it’s a little bit like seeing through a frosted window. As we age, the proteins in our eyes break down and clump together which can result to Cataracts developing.
Symptoms I should look for:
Distorted vision
Seeing halos around lights
Double vision/ Light sensitivity
Poor night vision
Causes & Risk factors for cataracts:
Age/ Genetics
Inflammation in the eye
Eye injuries or diseases
Smoking
Diabetes
Exposure to UV rays
Oral Medication
Autoimmune disease
I have cataracts, is there any solution?
Yes! Surgery is the most common solution to resolve cataracts. During the surgery, the doctor will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a new artificial lens.
Early on, you may make simple changes to help with the Cataracts such as:
Using brighter lights at work or home
Wearing full time polarized sunglasses
Using magnifying lenses for reading
Regular Eye Exams
Cataract Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to educate yourself and others about this common eye condition. Share this information with your family and friends, encourage them to get regular eye exams, and discuss the importance of protecting their vision. By raising awareness, we can encourage healthy habits that can preserve our sight for years to come.
Schedule your next eye exam at LivingHope Vision Clinic, to get your overall eye health check up!
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