Eastern Idaho to sponsor Cataract Awareness Campaign

By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery, according to The National Eye Institute.

Statistics like that are fueling an awareness campaign in eastern Idaho.

Eye doctors said having a cataract is like looking through a dirty window. Essentially the lens of the eye is clouded, making seeing difficult.

The cataract awareness campaign promotes educational seminars, offers free cataract eye exams, and encourages donations to help those needing surgery.

Dr. Aaron Affleck of Affleck Eye Care said cataracts are an easy and treatable condition.

“In developing countries, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness,” said Affleck. “So if a cataract gets cloudy enough, it’s like a curtain over your vision and you can’t see anything.”

For more information, visit www.lovehealthyeyes.com