TL;DR
Each June, Cataract Awareness Month shines a light on this common eye condition, urging people to learn more about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options.
If you’re over 60 or care for someone who is, this is the perfect time to understand how cataracts can affect vision and what steps you can take to protect it. Find out how early detection and proper care can help preserve your sight.
What cataracts actually are
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, making it harder to see clearly. The lens normally helps focus light onto the retina, but when a cataract forms, that light becomes scattered, causing blurred or faded vision. Most cataracts develop slowly and affect both eyes, although not always at the same time.
While ageing is the most common cause, other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, excessive sun exposure, and long-term use of certain medications like steroids.
How common are cataracts?
According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, around 330,000 cataract operations are performed each year in England alone. It’s one of the most commonly carried out surgical procedures in the NHS, and demand is rising due to an ageing population.
By age 75, it’s estimated that roughly 70% of people will have developed cataracts to some degree. That’s why awareness and education are vital especially during a dedicated month like June.
Spotting the signs of cataracts early
Cataracts can start forming without you realising. You might notice that:
- Your vision is becoming cloudy or blurry
- Colours appear faded
- You struggle to see at night or in bright sunlight
- You need more light for reading
- Your prescription for glasses or contact lenses changes more often than usual
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth booking an eye test with your optometrist. Regular check-ups are key to catching cataracts early and preventing them from worsening.
Why Cataract Awareness Month matters
June is not just another health campaign, it’s a reminder to prioritise eye health. Raising awareness helps people recognise the symptoms early, seek advice quickly, and understand that cataracts are treatable. It’s also a chance to highlight the importance of accessible eye care for older adults, many of whom delay treatment due to fear, lack of awareness, or misinformation.
Cataract Awareness Month encourages people to talk about their eye health, share experiences, and support those considering surgery. This can reduce anxiety around treatment and improve quality of life for thousands.
What treatment options are available?
Surgery is the only effective treatment once cataracts start to interfere with daily life. Fortunately, cataract surgery is safe, quick, and widely available on the NHS. The procedure involves replacing the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one, usually under local anaesthetic. Most people recover within a few days and notice a dramatic improvement in their vision.
It’s one of the most successful surgeries performed, with a very high success rate and minimal risk of complications. For most people, the benefits far outweigh any short-term discomfort or disruption.
Can cataracts be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to stop cataracts from forming, but you can take steps to reduce your risk and slow their progression:
- Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Stop smoking if you currently do
- Manage diabetes and other chronic conditions effectively
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and leafy greens
- Get regular eye exams, especially from age 60 onwards
These small habits can protect your overall eye health and may delay the need for surgery.
Related read: What Does Cataracts Look Like?
Cataracts and ageing
Many people wrongly believe that poor eyesight is just part of getting older. While some changes in vision are expected with age, cataracts are not something you have to live with. With the right care and timely treatment, you can maintain clear, sharp vision well into your later years.
It’s important not to dismiss symptoms or wait until things get worse. Eye health deserves the same attention as heart health or mobility, especially as you grow older.
How to take action this June
Cataract Awareness Month is your chance to do something positive for your eyes. Whether it’s booking an overdue eye test, talking to your GP about symptoms, or helping someone else take that step, your actions can lead to lasting improvements in vision and wellbeing.
You could also help by:
- Sharing reliable information with others
- Attending local awareness events if available
- Supporting charities focused on vision care
Raising awareness starts with a simple conversation. The more people understand cataracts, the easier it becomes to seek help early and prevent avoidable sight loss.
Final notes
June is a time to take your eye health seriously. Cataracts may be common, but they’re highly treatable with the right support and timely action. Don’t let poor vision sneak up on you or someone you care about.
If you’re noticing any of the warning signs, book an eye test today. A short appointment could help preserve your sight for years to come.
