June is Cataract Awareness Month

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside of the eye, the structure that is right behind the iris, the colored part of the eye. None of us are immune as they are a normal aging change much like gray hair and fine wrinkles. When they cause a degradation in vision to the point that they impact an activity of daily living they can be removed.

Cataract surgery is quick and associated with a very low complication rate, yet according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The reason is simply that many patients do not seek routine care.

The main risk factors for cataracts are aging, smoking, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. We all age and your Primary Care Provider is your best resource for smoking cessation, but we can certainly help with the third.

Make an appointment today to learn more about cataracts and about protecting yourself from UV light.