An Eye on Cataracts

This Cataract Awareness Month, know the signs & how to help

June is Cataract Awareness Month in the UK, a time to raise awareness about one of the most common yet treatable eye conditions. Cataracts affect millions of people, particularly those over 60, but early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss. Here’s what you need to know about symptoms, treatments, and how you can support the cause.  

Recognising Cataract Symptoms  

Cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. Key symptoms include:  

• Blurry or foggy vision

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Fading or yellowing of colours

• Frequent changes in glasses prescription

• Double vision in one eye  

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, an eye test with an optometrist can confirm whether cataracts are the cause.  

Effective Cataract Treatments 

The only proven treatment for cataracts is surgery, a safe and common procedure performed on over 400,000 people annually in the UK. During surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one, restoring clear vision. Most patients notice significant improvement within days.  

If surgery isn’t immediately needed, stronger glasses or better lighting can help manage symptoms. However, delaying treatment can worsen vision over time, so regular eye checks are essential.  

How You Can Support Cataract Awareness

This June, you can help by:

1. Spreading Awareness• Share facts about cataracts on social media using #CataractAwareness.• Encourage friends and family over 60 to book an eye test.  

2. Fundraising Ideas  

• Host a Coffee Morning – Raise funds over tea and cake.  

• Organise a Sponsored Walk or Run – Get active for eye health charities like ‘Fight for Sight’ or ‘RNIB’.  

• Sell Handmade Crafts – Donate profits to cataract research.  

• Charity Quiz Night – Gather friends for a fun, vision-themed quiz.  

3. Donating to Eye Charities 

Organisations like ‘RNIB’, ‘Sightsavers’, and ‘The Fred Hollows Foundation’ fund cataract surgeries globally, especially in developing countries where access to treatment is limited.  

Cataracts may be common, but they don’t have to steal vision. With early detection, treatment, and public support, we can help more people see clearly. This June, take action—get your eyes tested, spread the word, or fundraise to make a difference!