June is Cataract Awareness Month. Today, cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older, and more than 30 million Americans are expected to have cataracts by the year 2020.

Studies find that taking certain vitamins may reduce the risk of cataracts. It’s important to support your eye health because a cataract can cause serious problems or even blindness if it is left untreated.

Vitamins and foods include:

• Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach
• Dietary intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin: spinach, kale and other green, leafy vegetables
• Antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids: oranges, fish, and avocado

More importantly, the best way to protect your eyesight is to wear sunglasses, because they can block 100% of the sun’s UV rays when you are outdoors.

For more information about cataracts visit www.preventblindness.org and speak to your Ophthalmologist to obtain a diagnosis and proper treatment.