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June is National Cataract Awareness Month

June, 5 2023

Cataracts: What to Expect

As the leading cause of preventable blindness, the American Academy of Ophthalmology established June as Cataract Awareness Month to spread the word about this condition. Here is what it means for your vision, and what you can do to prevent it.
What Are Cataracts? 


A cataract is a cloudy area that forms over the natural lens of your eye, which causes blurry vision. Over half of all Americans will suffer from cataracts by age 75, but they don’t have to take away your vision permanently. Cataracts are preventable with proper nutrition and eye care. However, once you have developed a cataract, it can be safely removed in an outpatient surgical setting.  In fact, over 10 million cataract removal surgeries are performed around the world every year, making it one of the most common surgical procedures.
Warning Signs of Cataracts


While most common for people over 75, people can experience cataracts at any age and your risk factor increases around your 40s as the proteins in your eye’s lens begin to break down at a faster rate. So, as you may have guessed, aging is the leading cause of cataracts. Traumatic injury, exposure to radiation, and certain medical conditions can also lead to them forming. 
Important cataract warning signs are: 

  • Seeing a “halo” when looking at lights

  • Developing a sensitivity to lights

  • Finding that your prescription is no longer strong enough

  • Seeing double in one eye

  • Experiencing blurred, dim, or cloud vision

  • Noticing that colors seem to look more yellow or faded

  • Using brighter lights to read or perform tasks

  • Not being able to see as well in the dark 


If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good time to check-in with your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Be sure to bring up any vision concerns or eye injuries during your appointment so that they can take a closer look at potential risk areas. 
How Can You Prevent Cataracts? 


Your diet has a major impact on your vision health, especially when it comes to preventing and slowing down cataracts. Eat a diet rich in “eye healthy” foods, like those high in antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. These antioxidants support the natural structure of your eye, which is important since the breakdown of protein in your eye’s natural lens is the leading cause of cataracts.
In addition to eating an eye-healthy diet, you can also lower your risk of developing cataracts by:

  • Avoiding tobacco and reducing alcohol use 

  • Protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing hats and sunglasses

  • Managing diabetes and other health conditions

  • Getting annual eye exams


It may not be possible to prevent cataracts entirely, but taking proper care of your vision can delay their onset and slow their progression, allowing you to preserve your healthy vision for as long as possible. 
Treatment Options for Cataracts


If you have cataracts, hope is not lost. They will not go away on their own, and they will continue to get worse without treatment, but the good news is that cataracts can be safely removed to restore your vision once again.
Ultimately, whether you think you may be developing cataracts, or you have been dealing with them for some time, the best thing you can do for your vision is speak with an optometrist who can answer any questions you have about your condition and treatment options. If you’d like to make an appointment, give Vision Center South a call today.

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