Cataract Awareness Month

Clearer Vision Ahead: What You Need to Know About Cataracts

Did you know cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide? This June, Prevent Blindness is helping people prioritize their vision health by raising awareness of cataract symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.

Overview

Cataracts form when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, creating cloudy or blurry vision. They are often age-related, but risk factors like diabetes, smoking, and prolonged UV exposure can accelerate their development. Fortunately, cataracts can be treated with surgery, a procedure with a 95% success rate in restoring vision.

3 Facts

1. Cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans over the age of 40.
2. While they often develop slowly, untreated cataracts can lead to blindness.
3. Annual eye exams can catch cataracts early before they cause significant vision impairment.

3 Things To Do

1. Visit an eye doctor if you notice blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, or increased glare sensitivity.
2. Protect your eyes by wearing 100% UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.
3. Consume a diet rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are linked to lower cataract risks.

3 Resources

1. Prevent Blindness – Advocacy and education resources.
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) – Expert advice on eye health.
3. National Eye Institute – Science-backed resources on cataracts and vision care.