Cataracts are often caused by aging or genetics, but certain vitamins and antioxidants found in food may promote eye health. Medications, eye injuries, and medical conditions can also cause cataracts, but steps can be taken to prevent them. Regular eye exams are important for early diagnosis and treatment.
In most cases, cataracts are the result of aging or a genetic predisposition, and it may not always be possible to prevent them. There are now many studies on the various vitamins or anti-aging substances found in foods, which can have antioxidant effects and promote greater eye health or prevent the formation of cataracts. Those studies are still in their infancy, but they suggest some antioxidants like vitamins C, A, and E and the mineral lutein may promote eye health. Avoiding sun damage to your eyes by wearing protective sunglasses could also keep your eyes looking younger for longer.
Sometimes cataracts are caused by medications, eye injuries, or medical conditions. In these cases, specific steps can be taken to help prevent cataracts. If you take steroids, especially those applied directly to the eyes, or some tranquilizers and medications for skin conditions like psoriasis, you may be able to prevent cataracts by switching to different medications. Especially steroid eye medicine has shown higher incidence of cataract development. Many people use this medicine for seasonal allergies, and you may be able to prevent cataracts by switching to oral allergy medicines instead. Check with your doctor about the medications you take that have shown a large risk of cataracts and see if you can substitute alternative medications that do not carry this risk.
People with diabetes are at high risk of developing cataracts, especially when blood sugar levels are not under control. It is important to work with a doctor when you have diabetes and to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level can help prevent cataracts.
Smokers tend to be at greater risk of developing cataracts. This is another reason why you should consider quitting smoking. You may not only save yourself from the ravages of cancer, but also from cataract formation due to the aging effects of smoking.
Cataracts can form if a person suffers an eye injury. While you may not always know that you are about to get an eye injury, if you work in any profession where eye injuries are possible, always wear safety glasses on to protect your eyes. It’s important not to be dismissive of safety devices even if you’re skilled at your job.
While it’s not always possible to prevent cataracts, regular eye exams can help diagnose cataracts at an early stage, when it may be possible to treat them through a variety of surgical techniques. Because cataracts can severely impact vision in later stages and can be more difficult to treat, early treatment is important. It’s also just as helpful to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist if you notice that your vision is blurring, which can suggest cataract formation or glaucoma. Early treatment of any of these conditions can help keep your eyes healthy for a long time to come.
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