Cataract Awareness Month Explained: Why It Matters and How You Can Help

Cataract Awareness Month, observed every June, focuses on educating people about cataracts — one of the leading causes of vision problems worldwide. It encourages individuals to prioritize their eye health and take steps to protect their vision. 

Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry or cloudy vision, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights. If untreated, cataracts can worsen and impact quality of life. 

Kirk Eye Center, with locations in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, and Chicago, IL, joins this global movement by spreading awareness and providing experienced care. Read below to learn more or call for a cataract consultation with Dr. Scott Kirk. 

Why cataracts deserve your attention 

Cataracts are common, particularly among older people, yet many don't know about this condition. They occur when the natural eye lens becomes cloudy. This cloudiness is caused by a buildup of protein, which can be due to aging, genetics, or certain health conditions. As the cataract grows, it may lead to vision impairment and even blindness. 

Warning signs to look out for 

Recognizing cataract symptoms early can help protect your vision. Keep an eye out for these common signs in yourself or loved ones:  

• Blurry or cloudy vision that makes it hard to see clearly 
• Seeing halos around lights, which can make night driving more difficult 
• Increased light sensitivity that worsens in bright sunlight or certain indoor lighting 
• Faded or yellowed colors that look less vivid or sharp 
• Frequent prescription changes are needed for glasses or contact lenses 

If you notice any of these symptoms in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, book an eye exam as soon as possible with our team. 

Cataract treatment options at Kirk Eye Center 

At Kirk Eye Center, we're proud to provide advanced treatment options to address cataracts, including:  

• Traditional cataract surgery: This procedure involves manually removing the lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). Traditional cataract surgery is safe, effective, and widely performed. 
• Laser cataract procedure: A femtosecond laser cataract procedure uses advanced technology to fragment the cataract before removal. This technique minimizes the risk of complications and typically leads to a faster recovery. 

Both methods are designed to bring back clear vision, with patients often seeing noticeable results within days of their surgery. 

How to help during Cataract Awareness Month 

Wondering how you can contribute to cataract awareness? Here are a few meaningful ways to make a difference:  

• Educate yourself and share: Share facts about cataracts with family and friends. Even sharing this blog with someone who might benefit from it can help. 
• Promote routine eye exams: Encourage people to schedule yearly eye exams. Early detection can help prevent vision loss. 
• Donate or volunteer: Support organizations focused on cataract awareness. Volunteer at local health events or donate to programs that provide cataract surgeries for those in need. 

Join the movement 

If you or a loved one is experiencing blurry or cloudy vision and seeing halos around lights, Cataract Awareness Month is one of the best times to take action. 

Whether it's attending an eye exam, sharing helpful resources, or learning about treatments like traditional cataract surgery or a laser cataract procedure, each step counts. Call Kirk Eye Center in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, and book a consultation with our team. Professionals like Dr. Scott Kirk are dedicated to helping you achieve clear, healthy vision.