Cataract is a common age-related eye condition that is characterized by the clouding of the lens, leading to blurry vision, and it may eventually lead to vision loss if not treated on time. Though developing a cataract is inevitable as it is a factor of aging, there are several proactive steps that one can take to delay its onset. Some ways to reduce the chances of developing cataract and maintain clear vision for years are firstly understanding the risk factors and then adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
Understanding cataract
Cataract develops when proteins in the lens of the eye clump together which causes cloudiness and interferes with vision. This progresses slowly with time and leads to various symptoms like-
Blurry or clouded visionDifficulty in seeing at nightIncreased sensitivity to glareFading of colors
Double vision in one eye
A simple analogy to cataract is wrinkles. As we all know, wrinkling of skin is bound to happen at some age, however, at what age it happens and how severe it is, depends on the overall health of a person and how well they have taken care of their skin. Similarly several factors such as diabetes, smoking, prolonged UV exposure, certain medications like use of steroids, and poor overall health can all contribute to early development of cataract.
Tips for preventing cataracts
1- Try protecting your eyes from UV radiation
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors, even on cloudy days. UV radiation accelerates cataract formation, so investing in quality sunglasses is important for good eye health.
2- Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and also leads to other eye conditions like macular degeneration. Hence quitting smoking goes a long way towards improving eye health.
3- Maintain a healthy diet
Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables into your everyday diet. Foods that are rich in vitamins C and E, beta- carotene and lutein help in preventing cataracts by neutralizing free radicals which contributes to lens damage.
4- Protect your eyes from any injury
Injuries to the eye are a contributing factor for cataracts. Wear proper safety eyewear during sports and other activities which will help protect your eyes from injury and reduce the risk of cataract.
Some ways to protect the eyes are-
a- Wearing a helmet with a proper face mask while playing contact sports.
b- Wear safety goggles while handling chemicals or using a device that shoots projectiles
c- Wear proper eyewear while operating power tools, industrial equipment or even a hammer.
5- Reduce alcohol consumption
Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to an increased risk of developing cataracts, hence one must limit alcohol intake.
Therefore, the bottom line is that although one may not be able to completely prevent cataracts they can lower the risk or delay its onset by embracing a healthier lifestyle. So prioritize your eyes and take steps that can help prevent cataracts for a brighter and clearer tomorrow.
(Author: Dr. Sneha Shah, Ophthalmologist and Aesthetic Surgeon)
