Are Cataracts can be prevented? Let’s Understand How to prevent cataracts throughout this article.
What is Cataract?
There is a natural lens inside the eye, sitting behind the iris (the coloured area cantered in the pupil of the eye) and cataracts involve changes in the clarity of that lens, which ultimately deteriorates the visual quality of a person. In fact, the natural lens is not visible to the naked eye, becoming visible only after getting extremely cloudy.
This lens is primarily used to focus light unhindered on the retina located at the back of the eye, where it is transformed into neurological signals interpreted by the brain as vision. Significant cataracts end up blocking and distorting the light passing through this lens, resulting in visual impairments and complaints.
The most common cause of blindness worldwide is unoperated cataracts. In India, there may be earlier development and more rapid progression than in other regions. The incidence of cataracts in the developing world far surpasses the cataract surgical rate. If a practical, large-scale intervention could slow the onset of cataracts by 10 years, the need for cataract surgery would be decreased by 45%. Finding preventive methods to delay the onset of cataracts can help to narrow the gap between the incidence of cataract blindness and the ability to provide surgical treatment.
How to Prevent Cataracts?
Preventing cataracts is crucial for maintaining healthy vision as we age. Embracing a proactive approach involves adopting certain lifestyle habits and protective measures. Regularly wearing sunglasses that block harmful UV rays can shield your eyes from sun damage. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can also support eye health. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can further reduce cataract risk. Regular eye check-ups help detect early signs of cataracts, allowing timely interventions. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can take significant steps towards safeguarding your eyes and preserving clear vision.
So, let’s continue with the cataract prevention journey by knowing more about it and learning some really efficient tips to prevent cataracts naturally, as long as possible.
1. Eat Right
Food plays a vital role in helping achieve optimal eye health. A healthy diet should be a priority for all of us.
A healthy diet that provides good nutrition for healthy eyes includes five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day, at least three servings of 100 percent whole grains each day and two servings of fish each week. Eat foods high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamins C and E, as these may help ward off cataract development.
Start off by introducing antioxidant and glutathione-rich foods into your diet. Greens like broccoli, asparagus, spinach and Brussels sprouts are considered to be really eye-friendly foods. Similarly, avocados, grapefruit and strawberries, rich in glutathione, help keep your eyes healthy. If you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of consuming much raw fruits and veggies, you can also use them as nicely blended juices and smoothies.
Foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin are also known to be significant for eye health because they contain carotenoids, also found in the lens of your eyes. These include eggs, collard greens, turnip greens and corn offering protection not only against cataracts but macular degeneration as well.
In a study done in 2005, it was found that omega-3 fatty acids might help shield your eyes from cataract development. A higher intake of omega-3s (found in oily fish like salmon and sardines as well as in flaxseed) had a reduced risk of cataracts.
But if your diet lacks key nutrients because you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, it may be wise to consider taking one or more daily nutritional supplements to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need for optimum eye health. Prior to embarking on a regimen of eye vitamins and other nutritional supplements, consult an eye doctor. In some cases, taking too much of a specific vitamin or nutrient could be harmful to your health.
It’s not only about what to include in your diet that works for the protection of your eyes and vision but also what you exclude from your diet. So, make sure to stay away from the likes of white sugar and its processed substitutes like high-fructose corn syrup (actually produced from genetically modified corn). It is equally important to avoid fried foods, processed foods and sugary snacks and soft drinks – all of which appear to be associated with an increased risk of cataracts as well as obesity and other health problems.
2. Hydrate Appropriately
Perhaps, hydration remains one of the most underrated factors that can have an impact on the progression of cataracts. That’s why health professionals recommend appropriate hydration and failure in doing so can result in the accumulation of harmful body toxins capable of inflicting health issues in general, cataracts being one of them.
Ample water intake helps our body flush out harmful toxins with much ease. So, develop the habit of drinking water frequently at regular intervals.
3. Stop Smoking
Almost everyone knows of the harmful effects of smoking on the heart and lungs, but ironically, the majority of people fail to comprehend the risks smoking brings to the eyes, including cataracts. Research suggests that smoking increases the risk of cataract formation and progression almost three times.
It is because the adverse effects are caused by the release of free radicals in the body. On the other hand, antioxidants are dedicated to fighting off free radicals in the body. When you smoke excessively, antioxidants are consumed, encouraging the accumulation of free radicals, that can cause cataracts.
So, when you quit smoking, you are improving your chances of preventing cataracts.
4. Cut Back on Alcohol
Heading out to happy hour this week? If so, remember to enjoy your beer, wine or cocktails in moderation.
Like cigarettes, excess alcohol consumption can pose a number of health risks, including an increased chance of developing cataracts.
Research also points out the fact that your odds of getting cataracts are lower if you take fewer than two standard-size drinks (about 20 grams) compared to someone who doesn’t drink at all. However, exceeding the 20-gram limit can result in raising those odds.
5. Keep your diabetes under control
Data suggests that those with diabetes are at greater risk for developing cataracts.
People, whose blood sugar levels remain too high for too long, can have their eye lenses swollen. Moreover, eye lenses also convert blood sugar into sorbitol and if it’s over accumulated, your quality of vision starts deteriorating and chances of cataract formation arise.
That is why maintaining healthy blood sugar is so important, for both your overall health and the health of your vision.
6. Avoid using corticosteroid medications for any length of time
Steroids are potentially life-saving drugs, but their indiscriminate and rampant use has led to several problems. In India, even chemists prescribe steroids with little regard for their harmful effects. Also, people tend to self-medicate.
Long-term use of oral steroids is a well-known cause of cataracts. Studies are conflicting, however, over whether inhaled and nasal-spray steroids increase the risk for cataracts.
Steroids must be taken only on medical advice and under strict medical supervision. In fact, you must discuss with your doctor the option of using steroid-sparing drugs for your ailment, whenever possible.
7. Shade Your Eyes from the Sun
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—protect yourself from UV rays and your eyes will thank you!
“Ultraviolet light can hasten the formation of cataracts, even in younger patients.”
Researchers are now certain about UV light’s potential to harm the eyes, damaging the proteins found within the lens of your eyes.
To reduce your exposure, wear a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outdoors, similarly, a scarf or dupatta can shield your eyes from the harmful rays in the sun.
In addition to this, polarized sunglasses, photochromatic glasses and UV-blocking contact lenses may be used. This will not only add to your looks but will also help you lower the risk of getting cataracts. So, whichever brand you want to pick up next, make sure to pick the one offering 99% – 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays, in addition to other features you desire to have.
8. Avoid trauma
Traumatic cataract has no age predilection, that is, trauma at any age can result in the formation and progression of cataract. It is therefore essential to avoid eye injuries by taking appropriate preventive measures. The most important thing is to use protective eyewear, including glasses and eye shields, to prevent eye injuries in hazardous situations at work and play.
9. Get Regular Eye Exams
Even if your vision is clear and healthy, make it a priority to schedule yearly eye exams, especially after forty years of age. Routine visits allow your eye care professional to look for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other vision disorders. Early detection may actually save your sight!
What if I still get cataracts?
These measures may help delay the formation of cataract and its progression, but like ageing, cataract is inevitable.
In case you do have cataracts, your eye doctor will prescribe glasses for you to use in the initial stages.
In later stages, when the vision loss cannot be corrected by spectacles and starts to interfere with your everyday activities; your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation.
Even though the name of the surgery sounds scary, it is a relatively safe and routine procedure carried out in almost all eye clinics around the world. Your doctor will help you choose the surgery and the lens best suited to your visual needs and help restore your vision back to normal.
