Safeguarding Your Vision: Cataract Awareness Month

June is Cataract Awareness Month, which is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of the world’s leading causes of vision impairment. Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affect millions of people worldwide, particularly as they age. Despite their prevalence, many individuals may not fully understand what cataracts are, how they develop, and the potential impact they can have on vision.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts refer to the clouding of the lens in the eye. The lens is the clear part inside of the eye, located behind the iris and pupil, that helps focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, it impedes the passage of light, resulting in vision impairment.

What causes cataracts?

Most cataracts happen because of normal age-related changes in the eye. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts, or have already had surgery to remove them. When we are young, the lens in the eye is clear, but as we age, the proteins in the lens of the eye start to break down. This is what causes the lens to get cloudy. Cataracts usually happen in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other, which can cause a discrepancy in vision between the eyes. The effects of cataracts on vision can vary depending on their severity and location within the lens.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts generally develop very slowly, so you may not notice any symptoms right away, but as they grow, cataracts can cause changes in vision. The following symptoms may occur with cataract growth:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Seeing double or a ghosted image
• Colors look faded
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare, especially while driving at night
• Difficulty in low-light conditions
• Frequent changes in the prescription of glasses or contact lenses

What are the risk factors for cataracts?

While aging is the primary risk factor for developing cataracts, there are other factors that can increase your risk, including:

• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes
• Family history of cataracts
• Getting too much sunlight
• Previous eye injury or surgery
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids
• Smoking
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

How are cataracts treated?

Fortunately, cataracts are treatable. Cataract treatment is based on the level of visual impairment the cataracts are causing. If cataracts are affecting a patient’s ability to do normal everyday tasks, an eye care professional will determine if surgery is needed to remove them. Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts, and is one of the most common operations in the United States.

If a cataract is minimally affecting a patient’s vision, no treatment may be needed, and an updated eyeglasses or contact lens prescription could help the situation.

How can I prevent cataracts?

While some risk factors for cataracts, like aging and genetics, are beyond our control, several preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts:

• Getting a routine eye exam regularly is crucial for early detection of cataracts and other vision problems at their earliest stages.
• Protect your eyes from the sun and ultraviolet light by wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
• Protect your eyes from injury with protective eyewear while doing activities like using power tools or playing certain sports.
• Do not smoke.
• Manage other systemic health problems and follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can increase your risk of cataracts.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes an adequate number of fruits and vegetables.

Cataract Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing vision health and seeking timely care for eye-related conditions all year long. Increasing awareness about cataracts is essential to encourage early detection and timely treatment. By understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures associated with cataracts, you can take proactive steps to preserve your vision and enjoy a better quality of life.