June is Cataract Awareness Month

What Is A Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye that happens naturally over time.
 
Cataracts are among the most common age-related eye conditions; it is estimated that over 60% of Americans will develop a cataract at some point during their lifetimes.

What Are Risk Factors For Cataracts?Anyone can get cataracts. While most people don’t typically show symptoms until at least the age of 40, cataracts can also affect young adults or even children. Heredity, disease, eye injury and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age.

​What Are Cataract Symptoms?Symptoms of a cataract may include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Sensitivity to light, especially bright lights from oncoming car headlights
• Need to get closer to see distant objects, such as road signs
• Loss of depth perception
• A change in the color of the pupil to a milky white or yellow

How To Prevent Cataracts?Some steps you can take now to protect your eyes from the formation of cataracts is to wear UV blocking sunglasses, take nutritional supplements, quit smoking, and learn your family health history.

Your vision is precious, and one thing that can help keep your eyes healthy is a comprehensive eye exam at least once every other year.

For more information on eye health visit:
Prevent Blindness
American Academy of Ophthalmology

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