Prevent Blindness has designated June as Cataract Awareness Month, continuing its annual effort to raise public awareness about cataracts and provide educational resources eyecare professionals can share with their patients.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally and the most common cause of vision loss in the U.S. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of Americans aged 80 and older either have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is among the most frequently performed procedures in the country.

As part of its awareness campaign, Prevent Blindness is offering a variety of free educational materials, including fact sheets, social media graphics, and a video in its Focus on Eye Health Expert Series. The video, titled “Understanding Cataract,” features Albert Cheung, MD, a specialist in cataract and corneal conditions at Virginia Eye Consultants and assistant professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

The organization has also published a guide to cataract surgery and maintains a dedicated webpage with information for those considering or preparing for surgery. Cataract surgery typically involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

“We know that with age, the likelihood of developing cataracts increases,” says Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We encourage everyone to be proactive about their eye health, including getting regular eye care, and talking to your eyecare professional about cataract risks and what steps you can take to protect your vision today and for tomorrow.”