June is Cataract Awareness Month with Shippee Family Eye Care

Cataract Awareness Month is every June and is a health effort to inform the public about this serious eye condition. Approximately 21 million people in the US have cataracts with an estimated cost of treatment at 68 billion dollars. Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can lead to significantly decreased vision. As the cataract matures, patients often suffer from significant glare when looking at lights and develop a decreased sense of contrast and color.

At Shippee Family Eye Care our optometrists in Lancaster, St. Johnsbury and Montpelier conduct complete eye exams to check for cataracts and other eye conditions.

Why is Cataract Awareness Month Important?

Cataract Awareness Month is important because it informs the public on preventative measures which can be taken to decrease the risk of developing cataracts. One major preventative measure that is extremely effective is the wearing of sunglasses. UV radiation from sunlight can cause cataracts and it is strongest in the summer. Sunglasses that are 100% UV absorbent should always be worn when out in the sun.

Tips on Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

According to studies, smoking can greatly increase your risk of developing cataracts. Drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day can also increase the risk of cataracts. Therefore, quitting both or only smoking and drinking in moderation can both help to decrease the risk of developing a cataract.

Many doctors also recommend a diet high in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and Selenium. Since heart disease and diabetes increase the risk of cataracts, every effort should be made to decrease risk factor for these diseases.    

Call Shippee Family Eye Care for an Eye Examination

Dr. Shippee and his team at Shippee Family Eye Care provide the very best in preventative and family eye care. We have three convenient optometry offices in Lancaster, St. Johnsbury, and Montpelier. Call us today for an appointment! Contact our Lancaster, NH optometry office at 603-788-3561, our St. Johnsbury, VT optometry office at 802-748-3536 and our Montpelier, VT optometry office at 802-223-7723.