June is cataract awareness month

June is Cataract Awareness Month                                 [Bulletin date: June 29, 2025]

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens leaving vision blurry, cloudy, dim, or just not as bright or colorful as it has been.  One may have sensitivity to light, have difficulty seeing at night or in dim light, or see halos around lights.

Some health issues such as an eye injury, use of certain medications, diabetes, and high blood pressure may lead to the formation of cataracts.  In addition, family history, extensive exposure to sunlight, smoking, drinking alcohol, or being overweight may be a factor. However, for most people this change is a gradual and natural result of aging.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in those over fifty-five and more than half of people over sixty-five have developed some degree of cataracts. In addition, there is evidence that some premature mental decline may be related to poor vision.

While not reversable, cataracts are treatable. In some cases, a change of eyeglass prescription and better light may temporarily help. However, if vision changes affect your daily activities, then surgery may be recommended to remove the old lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant. This is often done as an outpatient procedure not requiring an overnight hospital stay.

Best of all, the risk of developing cataracts may be slowed down by wearing sunglasses and having regular vision exams which can help prevent impairments such as cataracts. Go to www.geteyesmart.org to learn more.

Pastoral Care Director, 

St. Ann Parish Nurse

Linda M. Walsh, RN, BSN

lwalshrn@st-ann.org 
770-552-6400 x6019