August is National Cataract Awareness Month. During the month of August be sure to focus on your vision and talk to your doctor if you believe you are at risk for cataracts. Since cataracts develop over years, gradual changes in vision can become the norm for most individuals suffering from the condition and therefore become ignored longer than necessary. Some people even describe cataracts as looking through a "dirty windshield". 

Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye and are the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. More than half of people over the age of 65-years-old have some degree of cataract development, and more than half of people over the age of 80 either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurred, cloudy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night or while driving
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing a "halo" around bright lights
• Colors appearing to be faded or yellowed

You are at an increased risk of cataracts if you have diabetes, smoke, or have a family history of cataracts. A comprehensive eye exam can determine whether cataracts are present and whether or not you are a candidate for surgery. If you have any of these symptoms or feel that you are at risk for cataract development, be sure to schedule an eye exam today.