Vision Reclaimed: Celebrating Hope During Cataract Awareness Month

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common and treatable causes of vision loss worldwide.

Cataracts are a natural part of aging for many, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored.

This Cataract Awareness Month serves as a reminder that early detection, education, and access to care can help preserve your vision and significantly improve your quality of life.

Cataracts can appear out of nowhere. Although they could start small, the changes get bigger with time.

Here are a few typical signs to look out for:

• Blurred, cloudy, or dim vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to light or glare
• Seeing “halos” around lights
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Double vision in a single eye
• If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Although age is the most frequent cause, other factors can also have an impact on cataract development:

• Smoking: Increases oxidative stress on the lens.
• Diabetes: Especially if blood sugar is poorly controlled.
• Excessive UV exposure: Long-term exposure to sunlight without eye protection.
• Alcohol use: Heavy drinking has been linked to cataract formation.
• Genetics: Family history can play a role.
• Eye injuries or surgeries: Trauma or previous operations may lead to cataract development.

While some cataract development is inevitable with age, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk and support overall eye health:

• Put on UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from damaging radiation.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, including leafy greens, citrus fruits, and colorful vegetables.
• Quit smoking to decrease the risk of several eye conditions.
• Manage chronic health conditions, especially diabetes and hypertension.
• Even if your vision appears to be fine, you should still have regular eye exams.
• Early detection is key. Cataracts can often be managed for years with updated prescriptions and monitoring before surgery is necessary.

One of the most popular and effective surgeries done globally is cataract surgery. A clean, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is used in its place when the clouded lens is removed. The treatment is performed as an outpatient and usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Most people experience significant improvement in vision shortly after the surgery and can return to daily activities within a few days. Advances in technology now allow for customized lenses that can correct presbyopia or astigmatism, reducing the need for glasses post-surgery.

Many people live with worsening cataracts for years, unaware that treatment is simple and life-changing. Cataract Awareness Month aims to break down barriers—whether they are financial, educational, or cultural—that prevent individuals from seeking help.

For older adults, clear vision can significantly reduce the risk of falls and accidents. For everyone, improved eyesight can restore independence, mobility, and confidence.

• Schedule an eye exam if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms with your optometrist.
• Volunteer or donate to organizations that provide vision care to underserved populations.
• Talk to your family about eye health history and the importance of regular check-ups.
• Share your knowledge about cataracts and Cataract Awareness Month with other people.

Vision is something we often take for granted until it begins to fade. Cataract Awareness Month is not just about recognizing the signs and symptoms of cataracts but also about empowering individuals to take control of their eye health. With early detection and access to care, no one has to live in a world slowly fading from view.

Take a moment this June to see things more clearly—and help others do the same. Spread the words about Cataract Awareness Month.

Prioritize your eye health this Cataract Awareness Month. Visit our optometrists, Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates, to get a comprehensive eye exam.

Our experienced optometrists in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL, are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas. 

Contact us:

Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL

815-477-4053

Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL

847-458-5796