June Is Cataract Awareness Month – Is Your Vision at Risk?

June marks Cataract Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide. Cataracts can develop slowly and silently, gradually clouding your vision and interfering with your daily life. The good news is early detection through routine medical eye exams can help preserve your sight and prevent long-term complications.
 

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. This clouding can occur due to aging, injury, certain medical conditions like diabetes, or prolonged exposure to UV light. While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can affect people of all ages.
 

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts often develop gradually, which makes early detection difficult without a comprehensive eye exam. Some symptoms include:
 

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Trouble seeing at night
• Faded or yellowed colors
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a medical eye exam as soon as possible.
 

Why Routine Medical Eye Exams Are Essential

Even if your vision seems perfectly fine, regular medical eye exams are essential for maintaining long-term eye health. These exams play a critical role in detecting cataracts and other eye conditions early - often before noticeable symptoms appear.
 

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will examine the lens of your eye for any signs of clouding, which may indicate the early development of cataracts. They will also measure vision changes over time to track any subtle shifts that could signal underlying issues.
 

In addition to checking for cataracts, your doctor will screen for other serious eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. These conditions may not cause symptoms until they’ve already advanced, making early detection even more important.
 

Routine eye exams also help monitor health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can significantly affect your vision and eye health. By catching these problems early, your eye doctor can recommend timely interventions, lifestyle changes, or surgery if needed. This often helps preserve or even restore your vision and improve your overall quality of life.
 

Safeguard Your Vision This Month

Cataract Awareness Month is the perfect reminder to take charge of your eye health. Don’t wait for vision problems to disrupt your daily life; take a proactive approach to protect your sight.
 

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Clarity Eye Care and take the first step in detecting and managing cataracts before they affect your vision. Visit our office in Ridgewood, New York, or call (718) 456-1130 to book an appointment today.