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June is Cataract Month: Learn About Risks, Signs, and Treatment Options | A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens in the eye, affecting vision. Most cataracts develop slowly but eventually affect vision. In addition to aging, other factors may cause cataracts to form. Eye infections, some medicines (such as steroids), injuries or exposure to intense heat or radiation may cause cataracts. Too much exposure to non-visible sunlight (called UV or ultraviolet light) and various diseases, such as diabetes or metabolic disorders, may also contribute to cataract formation. |
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Types of cataracts include
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Age-related – 95 percent of cataracts are age-related, usually after age 40.
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Congenital – These are present at birth, usually caused by infection or inflammation during pregnancy; possibly inherited.
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Traumatic – Lens damage from a hard blow, cut, puncture, intense heat or chemical burn may cause cataracts.
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Secondary – Some medicines, eye disease, eye infection, or diseases such as diabetes cause these cataracts.
| | | | As part of June’s Cataract Month, Prevent Blindness offers patients and care partners a variety of helpful educational resources on cataract and cataract surgery. | | |
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This month on the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Podcast, host Christopher Hord talks to cataract patient Ashley Mangen. Ashley is also a Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program participant and member of the the Prevent Blindness Ohio board of directors. | | Support Vision Health Policy | | |
May 14, 2026 marked two years since the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act was first introduced in Congress. In that time, support for the bill has grown from 18 supporting organizations to more than 110 organizations nationwide, and the legislation now has 20 bipartisan House cosponsors. In April alone, 9 new cosponsors joined the bill following strong advocacy efforts. We are also pleased to have the support of the American Public Health Association (APHA) for the EDVI Act.
We’re excited to continue building on this momentum during Eyes on Capitol Hill, Prevent Blindness’ biennial advocacy fly-in day taking place on June 9th. Nearly 100 advocates from across the country will come together on Capitol Hill to share their stories and advocate for vision and eye health priorities. This year, advocates are asking Congress to cosponsor the EDVI Act, cosponsor the Safe Step Act, and join the Congressional Vision Caucus.
You can help amplify their voices by visiting our Legislative Action Center to contact your Member of Congress and urge them to support these important priorities for vision and eye health. Every message helps move this work forward and brings us closer to making vision and eye health a national priority.
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Prevent Blindness to Host the 2026
ASPECT Patient Engagement Summit and Eyes on Capitol Hill Legislative Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
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Prevent Blindness will be hosting the 2026 ASPECT (Advocacy, Support, Perspective, Empowerment, Communication, and Training) Patient Engagement Summit and Eyes on Capitol Hill Legislative Advocacy Day events, June 7-10, 2026 in Washington, DC. Founded in 2020, the ASPECT Patient Engagement Program at Prevent Blindness aims to equip participants with knowledge, skills, and confidence to become advocates for vision and eye health at the individual, peer-to-peer, community, state, and/or national levels through the power of storytelling.
The ASPECT Patient Engagement Summit and Eyes on Capitol Hill Legislative Advocacy Day bring together ASPECT participants, care partners, allies, and partners to further develop skills in storytelling, advocacy, and community-building.
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As part of the Summit, Prevent Blindness will debut the “Vision Monologues,” on June 8, 2026, at the Round House Theatre, in Bethesda, MD. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET.
Written by Jeanetta Price, a proud, blind advocate and ASPECT Program Manager at Prevent Blindness, the Vision Monologues is a signature theatrical experience that blends storytelling, advocacy, and performance. The event features 17 monologues performed by an all-blind and low-vision cast, along with three real-life stories shared by patient allies, offering diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
| | Celebrate the Nation's 250th Birthday Safely! | | Prevent Blindness has declared June 28-July 4, 2026, as Fireworks Safety Week to educate the public on the potential dangers of fireworks. Prevent Blindness offers a dedicated webpage, free fact sheets, and shareable social media graphics. | | If you missed the first webinar in our new Focus on Eye Health Series, Vision Policy Across the Lifespan, you can watch the full recording on our website or YouTube Channel. | | |
The NORTHSTAR study is testing the safety, effectiveness, and tolerability of an investigational drug called gildeuretinol acetate (ALK-001) in those with Stargardt disease. Participants who are medically eligible to take part in the study will be randomly assigned to receive either the investigational drug or placebo during the treatment period. The study drug and placebo come in capsule form and are taken by mouth once a day.
You may be able to join if you:
- Are 8 to 45 years old
- Have been diagnosed with typical autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD), a form of inherited macular dystrophy
- Have genetic test results showing at least one disease-causing change (mutation) in the ABCA4 gene
If you or your child choose to participate, the investigational drug and all study-related visits, exams, tests, and procedures that are not part of routine care will be provided at no cost to you.
Email trials@alkeus.com for more information or to see if you qualify.
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