Cataracts are one of the most frequent sight disorders in the world, which people over fifty years old are most likely to get. When the lens of the eye becomes opaque it hinders vision, making it difficult to read, drive or even identify people. Cataract surgery is one of the most effective ways of dealing with the disease but some people ask if it is possible to prevent or even treat cataracts through lifestyle changes. While lifestyle changes cannot reverse cataracts, they may help in managing your eyes and possibly slow the development of the condition, which means you may not require surgery. This article aims at identifying habits which can be adopted in order to help in the prevention or slowing down of the growth of cataracts.
Understanding Cataracts
Cataracts can develop when proteins in the eye’s natural lens start to combine and form a cloudy area that hinders the passage of light through the eye to the retina. Cataracts are typically classified into three types:
- Nuclear Cataracts: These are common in elderly people and develop at the center of the lens and cause the lens to become yellow or brown.
- Cortical Cataracts: These are formed in the lens cortex which forms white ring that extends to the center and causes glare.
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: These start at the back of the lens and are generally worse than other types as they affect vision in the close up and light sensitivity.
The signs of cataracts include; hazy vision, poor night vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare, and seeing light rings around sources of light. Cataracts complicate all activities and greatly limit the quality of life.
Lifestyle Changes that May Help Slow Down Cataract Progression
Although cataracts cannot be undone by changing the way one lives, there are ways to slow the progression of cataracts. Healthy choices not only improve vision but also the general health so the chances of going for cataract surgery may be limited.
Healthy Diet and Nutritional Support
This is because a well balanced diet with adequate amounts of antioxidants and other nutrients is crucial in the overall health of the eyes. A few papers indicate that nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can prevent further development of cataracts by shielding the lens of the eye from harm.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is believed to help prevent cataracts by shielding the lens from harm by free radicals. Add oranges, grapefruits, lemons, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli to your meals..
- Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps to shield cells in the eye against free radicals. Vitamin E is found in nuts and seeds, as well as vegetable oils.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These are carotenoids found in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli. They act as natural sunblock for the eyes and absorb harmful light rays that can damage the lens.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be good for the eyes as well as decreasing inflammation that may lead to cataracts; these are found in fish such as salmon, trout, and mackerel.
A healthy diet that includes many fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products and is low in refined foods may even be good for your eyes in the long run.
Protecting Eyes from UV Exposure
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is considered to increase the risk of cataracts. Preventing UV rays from affecting your eyes will help prevent the formation of cataracts.
- Wear Sunglasses: While selecting sunglasses, go for those with the labels ‘100% UV protection’ or ‘UV 400’ as these glasses provide protection against almost all the UVA and UVB rays. Apart from offering eye protection, sunglasses minimize glare in an event making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
- Use a Wide-Brimmed Hat: Apart from sunglasses, the other protective measure is to wear a hat with a wide brim that will shield the eyes from above.
- Limit Direct Sun Exposure: Do not expose oneself to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These measures help to minimize the total amount of UV radiation to which the eyes are exposed and which contributes to the development of cataracts.
Avoiding Smoking and Reducing Alcohol Consumption
Smoking has for instance been known to cause cataracts because of the negative impact that it has on the eyes. Chemicals in smoke are toxic; they result in oxidation that causes protein modification in the lens of the eye, which leads to a cloudy appearance. A study shows that smokers have three times the risk of cataracts compared to people who do not smoke. Smoking cessation lowers the risk and has other health benefits in addition.
Cataract risk is also influenced by alcohol consumption and that includes taking alcohol in large proportions. Reducing the consumption of alcohol to moderate levels not only helps with the eyes but also with the rest of the body. According to the CDC moderate drinking means consuming up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Managing Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Levels
Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) constitute the main lifestyle diseases that cause cataracts. Diabetes leads to accumulation of sugar in the eye lens causing swelling and results in blurring of vision and early formation of cataract. Likewise, hypertension can impact blood vessels causing decreased blood supply to the eyes and enhance lens opacity.
- Blood Sugar Control: Diabetes sufferers should keep blood sugar levels in check since high levels of diabetes can lead to cataracts. Control of blood sugar also involves a proper diet, exercise and the use of medication in case the doctor recommends it.
- Blood Pressure Control: Control of blood pressure through low salt diet, regular exercises and stress free lifestyles will help to prevent the effects of eye health.
Regular Eye Check-Ups and Monitoring Eye Health
Annual checkups are important in order to prevent and address cataracts and other related eye problems. An eye exam helps an eye specialist to examine the state of your eyes, diagnose cataracts at an early stage, and advise on how to take care of your eyes.
- Frequency of Eye Exams: Based on age and risk factors, people are advised to get a complete eye check up after one to two years. Those who are more than 50 years or have chronic diseases may require more frequent medical examination.
- Monitoring Other Eye Conditions: Eye checkups can also reveal other disorders which may affect vision and well being of a patient, including glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
While lifestyle modifications cannot cure cataracts, they can be effective in preventing the cataracts from getting worse or even help in maintaining good vision health. For those that have vision problems due to cataracts, one can seek advice from an ophthalmologist to help one make the right decisions when it comes to treatment.
At The Eye Foundation, our team of experienced practitioners is always ready to offer you professional advice on how to take care of your eyes. Be part of the solution today and do something to safeguard your eyes.
