June is Cataract Awareness Month
During this time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts, we encourage people living with cataracts (and their loved ones) to share their personal experiences and offer helpful advice about living with cataracts.
Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable vision loss. By using the hashtag #CataractAwarenessMonth on social media, people can connect with others, find support, and learn about this condition.
You can also share this page with your family and friends and help bring awareness of this serious condition that affects millions of Americans.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the lens, located inside of your eye, behind the iris and the pupil.
Like looking through a dirty or cloudy window, a cataract makes the images projected onto your retina to become blurry and unfocused. Consequently, the signal to the brain is also blurred.
What Causes Cataracts?
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. As you age, proteins and fibers in the lens of the eye begin to break down, and when that happens, the vision becomes hazy or cloudy.
Other risk factors can also increase the probability of developing cataracts, such as:
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol consumption
Family history
Medications (such as steroids or statins)
History of eye surgery or eye injury
Obesity
Smoking
UV ray exposure
How To Identify the Signs of Cataracts?
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Colors that appear dim and less vibrant
- Double vision
- Glare from natural sunlight or from artificial lights
- Halos around lights
- Night vision problems
- Sensitivity to light
If you or a family member are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment right away.
How To Cope With Cataracts?
If you are experiencing vision issues due to cataracts, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to have surgery immediately, or maybe never. If you have a mild case, a combination of a different prescription and better lighting at home and in your office can improve your vision.
Surgery should be considered when the condition begins to significantly impair your vision to a degree that impacts your daily life in areas such as driving, reading, practicing sports, watching TV, and so on.
Schedule a consultation at Family Eye Care Services with one of our specialists and together we’ll determine if cataract surgery is the right option for you
Schedule an Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam
As you get older, your vision and eye condition may change, so having a yearly eye exam is a good way to keep your eyes healthy and clear. Cataracts and other eye diseases may have signs that are easy to dismiss, but an eye expert can detect them early and prevent them from getting worse.