If your vision has declined or become blurry in recent years, do not assume that a stronger prescription is all you need for a quick fix. Cataracts are the number one cause of vision loss in adults over 55 and affects over half of Americans over the age of 65.

A cataract is a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively blurry. The lens is the part of the eye directly behind the cornea that is responsible for focusing light and producing images. Cataracts tend to be caused naturally by aging. If they are caught and treated early, the damage to your vision may be reversible.

EyeCare America, a website run by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is a terrific resource for information about cataracts and other diseases of the eye. You can also find out about the Foundation’s program for the medically underserved. US citizens and legal residents who quality can receive an eye exam and up to one year of care through volunteer ophthalmologists (EyeMDs) often at no out-of-pocket cost. You can learn more about how the program works here secure.eyecareamerica.org/onlinematch.