Seeing the things you love is one of life’s greatest joys — family gatherings, friendly faces, or even a simple walk outside under Hawaii’s bright skies. Now imagine those moments looking cloudy, with colors that seem muted and details that are harder to make out. That’s what cataracts can do to your vision — and, over time, to your quality of life.
June is Cataract Awareness Month, and at Simply Eyes Hawaii, we’re taking the opportunity to share more about cataracts, one of the leading causes of blindness when left untreated. The good news? With regular eye care and timely treatment, cataracts are highly manageable.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract forms when the eye’s natural lens gradually becomes cloudy. The change often starts slowly and may go unnoticed at first, but over time it can make everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces noticeably harder.
Most cataracts are age-related and become more common after age 60. However, they can also occur earlier due to eye injuries, prior eye surgery, certain medical conditions like diabetes, or exposure to radiation from medical treatments. Some people are even born with congenital cataracts.
Are Cataracts Preventable?
Cataracts can begin forming earlier than many people expect — sometimes as early as the 40s. While not all cataracts can be prevented, healthy habits can help reduce your risk and support long-term eye health:
- Protect your eyes from UV exposure with quality sunglasses
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for essential nutrients
- Schedule comprehensive eye exams every year
- Manage blood sugar carefully if you are pre-diabetic or have diabetes
Dr. Sherry Wong often reminds patients that preventive eye care is especially important in sunny climates, where UV exposure can add up over time.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
The National Eye Institute emphasizes that cataracts are treated with surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed in the United States, with the majority of patients experiencing clearer vision afterward.
Early action matters. When cataracts are detected and treated at the right time, surgery is typically more straightforward and visual outcomes are often better. Waiting too long can make treatment more challenging and may limit how much vision can be restored.
Know About Cataracts: Keep Your Future Bright
Protecting your vision starts with regular eye exams. At Simply Eyes Hawaii, our doctors — including Dr. Tracie Inouchi and Dr. Sherry Wong — carefully monitor changes in your eyes and help detect cataracts in their earliest, most treatable stages.
During Cataract Awareness Month, take a proactive step toward protecting your sight. If your vision seems cloudy, glare is bothering you, or it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is a great time to schedule a visit. Clear vision helps you stay connected to the people, places, and moments that matter most.