CHICAGO— Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month and will provide free information to the public on everything from cataract basics to tips on what to expect from cataract surgery through its dedicated web page at preventblindness.org/cataract or its toll-free number at (800) 331-2020. And, as part of its new Healthy Eyes Educational Series, PBA is offering a specific online module on cataracts including a presentation guide and Power Point presentation.

Today, more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, and according to the National Eye Institute, by age 80, more than half of all Americans will either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. There are no medications or treatment options besides surgery to correct cataracts making it the most frequently performed surgery, according to PBA.

“By getting a complete, dilated eye exam, doctors can discuss with patients the best strategy to protect their vision well into the future,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We encourage everyone, especially those ages 40 and older, to make their vision a priority by scheduling an eye appointment today.”

For free information on cataracts, in both English and Spanish, call Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org/cataract.