Ways to Avoid Cataracts
Cataracts are the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. It is mostly caused by natural aging. As the process goes on, it results in a noticeable visual blur, and in most cases, sensitivity to bright light. According to medical experts, cataracts are inevitable.
How to avoid cataracts
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness among people living in the US. However, you can do something to delay getting them. Making a few changes in your lifestyle will lower the odds of developing them.
Here are significant ways to avoid cataracts.
1. Quit Smoking
Smoking is commonly associated with lung and heart problems, but it’s also lethal for your vision. When it comes to losing sight, smoking is a cause that you can control.
Smoking initiates the development of more free radicals in your eyes. Radicals are harmful cells to the eyes. On the other hand, antioxidants are pleasant chemicals that are found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants do a recommendable job in fighting harmful chemicals. Smoking damages good chemicals and allows toxins to thrive, thus causing cataracts.
Quitting smoking goes a long way in preventing cataracts. If you find it hard to kick the habit away, consult your doctor about notable medications and programs that can help you quit.
Also, reduce alcohol intake. We are not necessarily saying you should give up that glass of wine after a meal. But there is a limit you should not exceed. Taking too much alcohol can expose you to cataracts.
2. Control Your Blood Sugar
A shoot-up in blood sugar is likely to encourage cataracts formation. It is critical to ensure reasonable glycemic control. Besides, increased blood sugar also escalates the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a sight-threatening condition in which new blood vessels form in the eye retina.
The newly formed blood vessels leak fluid and blood, resulting in hemorrhages and swelling of the retina.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
This is the easiest way of delaying the occurrence of cataracts. Experts say that eating foods rich in antioxidants, for example, vitamin C and E, delay getting cataracts. If you already have them, a proper diet can moderate their growth.
The following is a list of good sources of vitamin C:
- Potatoes
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Kiwifruit
- Tomatoes
- Cantaloupe
- Citrus (grapefruit, limes, and oranges)
For vitamin E, consider nuts such as almonds and peanuts. Vegetable oils such as safflower, wheat germ, and sunflower are also good sources of vitamin E.
You might have heard of zeaxanthin and lutein. These are also notable sources of vitamins that will help delay cataracts formation. They are found in greens, eggs, and leafy vegetables. Make it a habit to eat vegetables and fruits every day.
4. Protection from Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
Protecting your eyes from harmful radiation can help lower the risk of developing cataracts. Wearing sunglasses does not only makes you look cool but also protects your vision. Besides, a scarf or a wide-brimmed hat can be used to shield eyes from harmful rays.
Other things, such as UV shielding contact lenses and photochromatic lenses, can be used to protect eyes from UV radiation.
5. Avoid Use of Steroids
Rampant use of steroids is the gateway to several medical conditions. They are likely to cause more harm when you self-medicate. Therefore, if you must take them, seek advice from your doctor.
6. Get Regular Eye Check-Ups
As the old saying, “prevention is better than cure.” It is prudent to visit a doctor even when you don’t have symptoms of eye disease. Schedule at least two eye examinations in a year, especially if you are above forty years of age.
Regular check-ups will enable your doctor to detect signs of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye disorders at an early stage.
Wrap-Up: What If You Have Cataracts?
These hacks will help delay the formation of cataracts, but at a certain age, they are inevitable. If you develop cataracts, your optician will prescribe lenses for you in the early stages. If the problem persists, your doctor will discuss the risks and advantages of cataract surgery.
We all know surgery causes panic among patients. But it is a relatively safe eye treatment method employed all over the world. Your doctor will choose the best surgical procedure for you and the lens that suits your condition.
All the best as you work to install your vision.
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