June is observed as Cataract Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise public awareness about one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide—cataracts. With millions affected globally, particularly among older adults, understanding cataracts is essential for early detection, timely treatment, and effective prevention. Throughout this month, eye health professionals, advocacy groups, and healthcare organizations work to educate the public about cataracts, encourage regular eye exams, and promote accessible treatment.
SoCal Eye in Long Beach is a leading Ophthalmology Practice that has been performing Cataract Surgery in Long Beach since 1964. With Fellowship Trained Doctors, the latest Laser Technology and an in-house Surgery Center to ensure the best outcomes and the best patient experience.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens is normally transparent and helps to focus light onto the retina, allowing clear vision. Over time, proteins in the lens may clump together and form cloudy areas that distort or block the passage of light, resulting in blurred vision.
Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes, though they do not spread from one eye to the other. If left untreated, cataracts can significantly impair vision and lead to blindness.
Types of Cataracts
There are several types of cataracts:
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Nuclear cataracts: Affect the center of the lens and are often associated with aging.
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Cortical cataracts: Begin in the lens’s outer edge and progress inward in a wedge-like pattern.
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Posterior subcapsular cataracts: Affect the back of the lens and progress faster than other types.
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Congenital cataracts: Present at birth or develop in childhood, often due to genetic factors or intrauterine infection.
Prevalence and Impact of Cataracts.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataracts are a major cause of vision loss, especially among the elderly:
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In the United States alone, over 24 million people aged 40 and older are affected by cataracts.
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By age 75, about half of all Americans have cataracts.
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Cataract-related vision loss contributes to decreased quality of life, increased risk of falls and fractures, and difficulty performing everyday tasks such as reading and driving.
The good news is that cataracts are treatable, and in most cases, vision can be restored through a relatively simple surgical procedure.
Risk Factors of Cataracts
While cataracts are most commonly age-related, a number of risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing them:
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Aging: The most significant risk factor.
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Genetics: Family history of cataracts can increase risk.
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Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can accelerate cataract formation.
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Smoking: Increases the production of free radicals, which can damage the lens.
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Alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking may contribute to cataract development.
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Prolonged exposure to sunlight: UV radiation can damage eye tissues.
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Eye injuries or surgeries: Trauma or past surgeries can lead to cataracts.
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Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids can increase the risk.
Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps to protect their vision.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts develop slowly and may not affect vision initially. As they progress, individuals may experience:
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Cloudy or blurry vision
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Faded or yellowed colors
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Sensitivity to light and glare
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Halos around lights, especially at night
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Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
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Difficulty with night vision
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Double vision in one eye
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye examination promptly.
Diagnosis and Detection
Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
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Visual acuity test: Measures how well you can read a series of letters from a distance.
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Dilated eye exam: Involves widening the pupils with drops to examine the retina and lens.
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Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside the eye.
Early detection is key to managing cataracts effectively. Regular eye exams are especially crucial for individuals over age 60 or those with risk factors.
Cataract Treatment Options
The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. In the early stages, vision may be improved with updated eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or better lighting. However, once vision impairment interferes with daily life, surgery becomes necessary.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures in medicine today. It involves:
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Removing the clouded lens.
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Replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia, and typically takes less than 30 minutes. Most patients experience significant improvement in vision within a few days.
Types of IOLs
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Monofocal lenses: Correct distance vision; glasses may still be needed for near or intermediate vision.
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Multifocal lenses: Correct multiple ranges of vision, potentially reducing the need for glasses.
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Toric lenses: Designed for people with astigmatism.
Discussing the best lens option with an ophthalmologist is important for optimal results.
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips
While not all cataracts can be prevented, healthy habits can significantly reduce the risk:
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Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays.
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Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
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Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
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Manage underlying conditions like diabetes.
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Protect your eyes from injury and exposure to radiation.
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Have regular eye exams, especially after age 60.
These steps not only reduce the risk of cataracts but also support overall eye health.
Cataract Awareness Month: Why It Matters
Cataract Awareness Month plays a critical role in:
1. Educating the Public
Many people are unaware of what cataracts are or how treatable they can be. Public awareness campaigns help individuals recognize the signs and encourage them to seek help early.
2. Reducing Stigma
Vision impairment, especially in older adults, is often dismissed as a natural part of aging. Cataract Awareness Month emphasizes that vision loss from cataracts is not inevitable and is often reversible.
3. Promoting Access to Care
Not everyone has access to eye care services. Cataract Awareness Month highlights the need for improved access, especially in underserved communities and developing countries, where untreated cataracts are a leading cause of blindness.
4. Empowering Patients
By raising awareness, patients are empowered to ask questions, seek second opinions, and make informed decisions about their eye health.
Global Impact and Outreach
Organizations like Prevent Blindness, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the World Health Organization use this month to host screenings, webinars, social media campaigns, and educational workshops. They also advocate for policy changes to support affordable and accessible eye care.
In many parts of the world, cataract surgery is still out of reach due to cost or lack of facilities. Cataract Awareness Month also brings attention to global initiatives that provide surgeries and eye care to those in need.
Cataract Awareness in Long Beach, CA
Cataracts are a common, yet treatable, cause of vision loss. Through awareness, education, and access to care, millions of people can preserve their sight and improve their quality of life. June’s Cataract Awareness Month is not just about understanding a medical condition—it’s about empowering individuals to take charge of their vision health and support others in doing the same.
By recognizing the symptoms early, getting regular eye exams, and seeking timely treatment, we can ensure that cataracts don’t stand in the way of a vibrant, independent life. Spread the word this June—because everyone deserves the gift of clear sight.
For Cataract Treatment in Long Beach, Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request
