August dedicated as Cataract Awareness Month by PBA

Prevent Blindness America (PBA) instituted August as Cataract Awareness Month to educate patients with cataract on benefits available to them as well as treatment options.

Cataract is the leading cause of low vision in the United States, according to the PBA. More than half of those 65 years and older have some form of cataract, and it is estimated that more than 30.1 million Americans will have cataract by 2020. This would make it the most frequently performed surgery in the country.

Medicare patients with cataract can either choose basic lens replacement for $2,000, which is covered in full or can apply this to new replacement lenses that can also correct nearsightedness.

According to Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of PBA, most people will develop cataract at some point.