June is Cataract Awareness Month, and according to Prevent Blindness, more than 25 million Americans have cataract, a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in impaired vision. As VMAIL previously reported, research from the Prevent Blindness study, “The Future of Vision,” estimates that number will increase to 38.5 million by 2032, and to 45.6 million by the year 2050.

According to Prevent Blindness, possible risk factors for cataracts include: aging; intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun; certain diseases, such as diabetes; inflammation in the eye; hereditary influences; events before birth, such as German measles in the mother; long-term steroid use; eye injuries; eye diseases; and smoking.

Though cataract is common in populations over 60, middle-aged people are also at risk. According to the National Eye Institute, however, most cataracts diagnosed during middle-age are small and do not affect vision. Cataracts only need to be removed, the National Eye Institute reports, when vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading or watching TV.

Throughout the month of June, ECPs and patients alike, have taken to social media to promote awareness and educate the public about cataracts and the importance of getting eye exams. Making annual appointments with an eye doctor for visual acuity tests, dilated eye exams and tonometry tests are all preventative measures a person can take.

Here is a small compilation of posts shared on social media using #CataractAwarenessMonth.