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:

1. Using brighter lights at work or home

2. Wearing full time polarized sunglasses

3. Using magnifying lenses for reading

4. 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!