How to Prevent Cataracts

Cataract surgery can fix compromised vision induced by cataracts that make reading, driving a car (especially at night) increasingly challenging. Luckily, cataract surgery is usually a safe and successful operation.

For those who don’t know, cataracts arise due to the lens of the eye becoming clouded. Responsible for allowing light to travel into the retina, the lens is a transparent substance composed mainly of water and protein fibres. As the fibres clump together, the lens becomes less affective, leading to blurred sight and, if left unchecked, total blindness.

Often cataracts grow slowly and don’t always affect the eyesight immediately. Over time, though, cataracts will gradually impact your vision. Some of the numbers relating to cataracts are shocking. Cataracts are responsible for 51% of the world’s blindness that occurs, and it is estimated that no fewer than 65 million people globally are affected by cataracts to some degree.

There are many ways which you can help reduce the chances of you contracting cataracts, some of which you can begin immediately.

Increase Your Intake Of Antioxidants, Vitamins And Minerals

Antioxidants can help avoid the clumping together lens-fibre proteins which are primarily responsible for the formation of cataracts. A recent study found that a healthy diet high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants has been related to a decreased risk of cataract growth.

In a survey of 35,551 women those who ate the most lutein and zeaxanthin, which antioxidants found in yellow or dark green leafy vegetables, were 18 per cent less likely than those who ate the least amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, to experience cataracts.

Stop Smoking

There is no lack of research and publicity highlighting the damage to health which smoking can cause. As well as the adverse consequences of smoke to the heart and lungs, when you smoke heavily, you also promote the development of unhealthy toxins that can also induce cataracts. So, if you stop smoking, you are enhancing the odds of stopping cataracts from harming the eyes, as well as the other health benefits which follow.

Wear Sunglasses

Using sunglasses will not only contribute to your comfort on bright, sunny days, but it will also help you reduce the chance of cataracts. Scientists are not only convinced of the ability of UV light to damage your skin, but also that it can destroy proteins found in the lens of your eye.

So, whichever product you choose to grab for your next pair of shades, make sure you choose the one that provides 99 per cent – 100 per cent protection against UVA and UVB radiation.

Take an Eye Test At Least Once a year

The importance of a thorough eye exam cannot be overstated, especially if you are over 40 years of age. This can be the first step to identifying issues with your eyes, and to taking early action to prevent or eliminate cataracts.

The longer cataracts are allowed to persist with no action to correct them, the more difficult it will be to fix the issue. Whilst cataract surgery is always an option, ideally you want to be in apposition where surgery is not necessary.

It should also be noted that although we are discussing cataracts, regular eye tests can also help to prevent or to spot other eye conditions, some of which may be serious. Again, early action can help to minimise their effect, and the damage that they may cause.