Cataracts, a clouding of the eyes’ natural lens that occurs when proteins break down and clump together, affect millions of United States adults 50 and older. Although cataracts can’t always be prevented, certain measures may help lower your risk.
In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, our 2020 Family Vision team, serving patients in Novi, Lake Orion, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hill, and Ypsilanti, Michigan, has drafted this guide to cataract prevention.
Each of your eyes has a clear, natural lens that helps focus light on the retina, a structure at the back of your eye that sends electrical signals to your brain.
However, the lenses can become cloudy as part of the aging process. This cloudiness varies in terms of severity, but research shows that more than 50% of people aged 80 and over have cataracts.
As this clouding of the lenses worsens, it may cause your vision to become fuzzy, affecting your ability to drive, read, and perform other daily tasks.
The good news is that certain preventive measures may help lower your risk of cataracts. Here are five steps you can take to support your vision and eye health:
Anytime you go outside or sit next to a window, you’re exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
In short bursts, that typically isn’t a problem, but over the years, UV exposure can lead to oxidative stress that may cause the proteins in your eyes’ lenses to break down and clump together.
To lower the risk of this damage, always wear sunglasses when driving or spending time outdoors. More specifically, make sure your sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet ensures you get the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your body needs to thrive.
Certain nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are particularly important because they help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress (a leading cause of cataracts).
Everyone’s dietary needs vary, but fruits and vegetables can go a long way toward supporting these efforts. Some foods containing these nutrients include:
Chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes, may increase the risk of cataracts because they can cause structural changes in the lenses.
These conditions can’t be cured, but you can prevent them from worsening by taking your medication, visiting the doctor regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared to nonsmokers, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That’s because tobacco smoke increases oxidative stress on the eyes, which can cause the lenses to become cloudy.
Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to keep your eyes healthy. It can also lower your risk of respiratory illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.
Cataracts usually develop slowly over years or decades, and early symptoms are often subtle. Participating in regular eye exams can alert you to these changes early, before they affect your vision.
We encourage most people to undergo an eye exam at least once a year. However, if you have a chronic condition, like high blood pressure or diabetes, more frequent checkups may be necessary.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of cataracts, such as cloudy vision, increased glare from lights, or difficulty seeing at night, contact us for a cataract evaluation. Since June is Cataract Awareness Month, there’s no better time to get screened and determine your risk.
To make an appointment, call the nearest office or book your visit online. After an eye exam and cataract assessment, we can make personalized treatment recommendations or refer you to an ophthalmologist for more specialized care.
