Have you had your eyes checked recently? This month may be the perfect time—Prevent Blindness has declared June Cataract Awareness Month.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly 25.7 million Americans over 40 have cataracts, which will likely increase to 45.6 million by 2050. As dedicated eye care providers focused on making this summer happy and healthy for everyone, we put together this list of tips to help raise awareness about cataracts, which affect millions of Americans every year.
Book Regular Eye Appointments
Regular eye exams help detect cataracts early and determine if cataract treatment is needed. Regardless of whether your vision seems perfect, make it a habit to see your eye doctor regularly. For those aged 18 to 65 years without risk factors, a visit every two years is advisable. After the age of 65, annual check-ups become a greater priority.
Wear Sun Protection (For Eyes and Skin)
Along with wearing your usual SPF skin protection to protect your skin, don’t forget your eyes. Shield your eyes from harmful UV radiation by wearing sunglasses with a UV400 tag or label, which blocks 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Opt for high-quality, scratch-resistant glasses with large frames to safeguard your eyes from sunlight, dust, and wind.
Eat Healthy
Maintaining a healthy diet is key to preventing cataracts. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as leafy greens, walnuts, salmons, and berries, can help preserve your vision as you age. It’s also important to manage blood sugar levels, particularly for diabetic patients, as high blood sugar can elevate the risk of cataracts.
Drop the Cigarette
The harmful effects of smoking extend beyond the lungs and heart. Cigarette smoke contains numerous toxic compounds that can damage your vision. There is a direct link between smoking and cataracts or macular degeneration, making quitting even more important for eye health.
Limit Alcohol and Hydrate Throughout the Day
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cataracts and make cataract eye surgery the only option at severe levels. High alcohol levels in the bloodstream induce harmful free radicals, which can lead to lens clouding. Moderation is vital to maintaining both overall and eye health.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, most people need about four to six cups of plain water daily. This amount can vary based on individual needs, other beverages, and food intake. Drinking enough water helps keep your body functioning properly, which is good for your eye health.
Book Your Next Appointment with Center For Sight
If you have noticed changes in your vision, such as blurred or cloudy sight or faded colors, it may be time for a comprehensive eye examination with Center for Sight’s ophthalmologists.
Contact us with any questions or concerns about your eye health or cataract eye surgery. We’re here to support you with eye wellness insights from a team of board-certified professionals.
Let’s make Cataract Awareness Month a time to prioritize eye care and spread knowledge for a clearer world.
The advice in this blog is for general informational purposes only and may not be suited for your exact insurance plan and eye care needs. Therefore, consulting a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment is essential.
About Center For Sight
Center For Sight provides ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology and cosmetic surgery services to patients in Southwest Florida. The practice offers patients convenient access to nationally renowned surgeons, highly-trained, compassionate staff members and cutting-edge technology. Center For Sight’s mission is to “bring clear vision to life” through trusting relationships and the unending pursuit of excellence in eye care. For additional information and locations, visit CenterForSight.net.
About Center For Sight Foundation
The Center For Sight Foundation is a donor-advised fund maintained and operated by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, a section 501(c)(3) organization. The fund is composed of contributions made by individual donors. David W. Shoemaker, M.D., established the Center For Sight Foundation to support the annual Mission Cataract program, which restores vision at no cost for people living at the poverty level suffering vision loss due to cataracts. For more information, visit CFSFoundation.org.
