June is Cataract Awareness Month!

Guest post by Prevent BlindnessSeveral years ago, we here at Prevent Blindness declared June as Cataract Awareness Month to educate the public on risk factors, symptoms, and available treatment options for cataracts. Today, we seek to continue those efforts with the work we do each and every day.So, to help celebrate Cataract Awareness Month we want to share more information on cataracts and how they form.A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s lens that can change or even block the passage of light into the eye. While the exact cause of a cataract is unknown, the conditions required for one to form may be connected to the aging process, as our body’s natural process of replacing old cells with new ones could cause build up on our eyes that blocks light and causes cloudy vision. Besides getting older, other factors may cause cataracts to form. Eye infections, some medicines (such as steroids), injuries or exposure to intense heat or radiation may cause cataracts. Too much exposure to non-visible sunlight (called UV or ultraviolet light) and various diseases, such as diabetes or metabolic disorders, may also contribute to cataracts forming.Generally, a cataract doesn’t cause pain, redness, or tears. Instead, here are some key indicators of a cataract:

• You experience blurred or double vision
• There is a sense of a “film” over your eyes
• Lights may seem too dim for reading or close-up work, or you may find yourself “dazzled” by strong, bright lights
• You frequently change eyeglass prescriptions without it seeming to help your vision

 Sometimes, you can even see the cataract in your eye. It may look like a milky or yellowish spot.Because cataracts predominantly affect older adults, we recommend that everyone over the age of 65 receive regular comprehensive eye exams, as early detection can have big benefits to your treatment.  For those whose doctors have diagnosed them with cataracts and recommended surgery, we offer a free Guide to Cataract Surgery that you can request in print by calling (800) 331-2020 or in a digital format by emailing us at info@PreventBlindness.com. We also offer our free online resource, “Living Well with Low Vision” to help patients and caretakers dealing with the daily challenges stemming from loss of vision.If you are diagnosed with cataracts, most cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and health insurance. It is important, however, to talk with your doctor and insurance provider to clarify specifically which surgery-related expenses your plan will cover. While Medicare does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses, Part B can help pay for corrective lenses after surgery that implants an intraocular lens.Now that you have a greater understanding of cataracts, we encourage you to get involved during Cataract Awareness Month by reaching out and sharing your story. Finding out if Prevent Blindness or similar organizations are hosting advocacy events you can lend your name to or attend, or just picking up the phone to call your senators and representatives to ask them to advocate for eye health can go a long way toward spreading awareness. And, of course, feel free to engage with us and share your story via the Prevent Blindness Facebook and Twitter channels.Prevent Blindness was founded in 1908 with the goal of improving the nation’s vision and eye health by promoting systems and methods of care for detecting eye health needs, educating the public on the importance of taking care of their eyes, and advocating for public policy that promotes better access to eye care.