Cataract surgery gives gift of sight

June 30, 2010

A group of individuals have been selected to receive free cataract surgery in Florida thanks to the work of Mission Cataract USA and Center for Sight.

Both organizations teamed up to offer the procedure to eligible candidates who demonstrated a need to the surgery.

"I am looking forward to being able to make my way around the grocery store," says Anne Gordon, of Sarasota, Florida.

Gordon lost her ability to do simple things because she has impaired vision due to cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye.

Aging is one factor in developing cataracts with about half of Americans 65 and older having some degree of the condition.

Prolonged exposure to the sun and cigarette smoke may also increase the risk. Symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, faded colors and poor night vision.

A thorough eye exam may catch the condition early, allowing for the proper treatment to be administered.