Krieger Eye Institute Hosts Cataract Screening

What does Latin etymology have to do with your eyes?

In Latin, the word cataracta means "waterfall." That's the feeling many people have when there are cataracts in their eyes - the clouding of the lens of the eye is similar to the distortion you'd see if you were looking through a waterfall. Other symptoms are

• Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
• Double vision in one eye
• Need for brighter light to read
• Poor night vision
• Fading or yellowing of colors

According to a report from National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness America, cataracts affect nearly 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 80, more than half of all Americans have cataracts.

While surgery is the only way to remove a cataract, new eyeglasses may also help. If you or a loved one suspect you may have cataracts, a free screening is being offered Tuesday by the Krieger Eye Institute. The screening is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Quarry Lake Office, 2700 Quarry Lake Drive. Call 410-601-WELL (9355) to register.