August is Cataract Awareness Month

Back in May we posted information covering Healthy Vision Month. Now, in August, it’s time to take another look at eye health, in honor of Cataract Awareness Month.

First, what exactly are cataracts? These clouding of the lenses of the eye may blur or dim vision. Most common in older adults, risk factors include genetic predispositions, smoking, diabetes, serious eye injuries or inflammations, steroid use, and extensive sunlight exposure .

While cataracts generally develop in both eyes, they may not develop at the same rate, and the condition becomes serious when it starts interfering with vision. Cataracts are not reversible, but they are easily operable (in fact, the operation often takes 20 minutes or less), and cataract surgery – and the associated restoration of vision – has an extremely high margin of success.

Whatever one’s current risk factors, it’s worth protecting the eyes as much as possible. Seniors (and all adults) should wear sunglasses with good UV ray protection, limit sun exposure still further by wearing a hat with a wide brim, stay away from smoking, and for those with diabetes, control it as carefully as possible with diet, exercise, and/or medication.

Additionally, seniors should make sure to get their eyes checked regularly – not only for cataracts, but to screen for more serious conditions such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

In recognition of Cataract Awareness Month, EyeCare America, a program affiliated with the Foundation of the American Academy of Opthamology, is sponsoring free eye exams for some seniors of age 65 and upward. Program and eligibility information can be found here.

More information about cataracts can be found at their site as well, along with information about other eye conditions and eye health information for seniors.