Cataract Awareness during the month of June

Despite being manageable and treatable, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. In the United States alone, more than 24 million American aged 40 and older are affected. On the bright side, cataract surgery has 95% success rate and is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. The surgery also has the added benefit of reducing the risk of hip injuries due to falling. Cataract symptoms include blurry or double vision, feeling like there's a "film" in your vision or feeling like it's too dark to read. Cataracts can appear as a clouded spot over your pupil. Cataracts can be caused by a multitude of things including genetic factors, diseases such as diabetes and smoking. Cataracts are most commonly seen in senior citizens. Preventive eye care is important in preventing cataracts from developing later on in life. Getting a complete, dilated eye exam every year or every other year can detect cataracts that are developing. Consult your eye care provider if you believe you have symptoms of cataracts.