A cataract is a cloudy area in the eye’s lens that can form with age and cause vision impairment. To protect your eyesight, healthy habits like wearing UV-blocking sunglasses may help slow cataracts’ progress. Cataract surgery provides clearer vision, and surgical teams replace clouded lenses with artificial ones. Here are eight tips for preventing cataracts:
1. Wear Eye Protection Outdoor
Ultraviolet (UV) rays may contribute to cataracts by damaging eye lenses with prolonged exposure. Wearing sunglasses outdoors helps shield your eyes from sunlight, limiting UV exposure. Look for lenses that provide full ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection.
Wraparound frames offer full coverage. Polarized lenses help reduce glare, which aids clear vision. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using an umbrella can also block UV rays.
2. Follow a Balanced Diet
Consuming nutrient-rich foods supports eye tissue health. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help neutralize free radicals, which may contribute to cataracts over time. Produce like citrus, spinach, and bell peppers often provides these antioxidants.
Zinc boosts vision health and can be found in shellfish, seeds, and legumes. Consuming various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts delivers eye-supportive nutrients.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking may increase cataract risk by exposing the eyes to harmful metals and toxins. These substances can damage eye proteins and cloud the lenses over time. Quitting smoking helps reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts and improves overall health.
Support groups, nicotine replacement therapies, or counseling services may help you quit cigarettes for good. Reducing secondhand smoke exposure protects your family members’ eyes while lowering their risk of other smoke-related health issues.
4. Limit Alcohol Intake
Moderate or heavy drinking may increase the likelihood of developing cataracts or speeding their progression. Alcohol consumption may expose the eyes to damaging free radicals or lead to vitamin deficiencies needed to maintain lens health.
Limiting alcohol use can slow cataract progress, reducing the need for cataract surgery. Choosing non-alcoholic beverages, avoiding binge drinking, and tracking your weekly consumption helps reduce this potential risk factor.
5. Manage Diabetes
High blood sugar from uncontrolled diabetes causes swelling and damages blood vessels in the eyes. The lens also changes blood sugar into sorbitol. When an excess of this substance collects, lenses lose transparency, and vision can blur.
Managing diabetes usually involves checking blood sugar, taking prescribed medications, following dietary advice, exercising, and seeing your doctor regularly.
6. Schedule Eye Exams
Optometrists and ophthalmologists conduct vision acuity testing and dilated eye exams to assess lens health. They identify emerging cataracts and track progression over time. Early diagnosis enables you to make lifestyle changes to delay cataract development. Your eye doctor may also have early intervention options to help preserve sight.
7. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can temporarily affect eyesight by limiting fluid transport to lenses. Chronic dehydration may compromise lens health over time, increasing the risk of cataracts. Consuming an adequate amount of water daily supports overall hydration and eye function, and staying hydrated also helps flush out toxins that contribute to eye issues.
8. Prevent Eye Injuries
Eye trauma can be a precursor to fast-developing cataracts, and even minor injuries may accelerate lens clouding over time. Wear protective goggles when engaging in activities with projectile risks, such as metal grinding, weed whacking, or competitive sports, as these can cause sudden impact-related damage.
Polycarbonate lenses that meet performance standards for impact protection usually provide maximum durability and safety. If you frequently perform hazardous tasks at work and home, evaluate whether you need different eyewear designed for workplace safety versus recreational activities to provide protection in each setting.
Schedule Cataract Surgery Today
Ophthalmologists provide all aspects of cataract care, from early detection to advanced surgery. Their surgical teams utilize the latest phacoemulsification technology for precision lens removal and replacement.
Doctors can insert artificial lenses that meet your lifestyle and eye health needs. Learn more about cataract surgery by consulting specialists today.
