Preventing cataracts by living a healthy lifestyle

A cataract is an eye condition that causes a clouded vision, which is why people affected by it feel like looking at the world from behind a translucent glass pane. This condition can be resolved through surgery, but many people still become blind because they don’t have enough resources to have the procedure. Although there are still no proven studies on the prevention of cataracts, doctors believe that living healthy does help.

Image Source: acs.org

The Mayo Clinic lists some things that can be done in order to prevent or at least minimize the risk of acquiring cataracts:

• Having regular eye examinations. Regular eye examinations can help detect early-stage cataracts and their symptoms.

• Quitting smoking. A study published on Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science found that adult smokers are at “an increased risk of age-related cataract.”

Image Source: stayhealthyla.org

• Reducing alcohol consumption. Although there are no studies that can conclusively say that alcohol causes cataracts, a study found that drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day increases one’s risk factor for cataracts.

• Wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses can protect the eyes from UV damage, which may contribute to the development of cataracts.

• Managing other health conditions. Other medical conditions, like diabetes, can also increase one’s risk of acquiring cataracts. Managing those medical conditions can lessen cataract risk.

Image Source: drgeorgewaringiv.wordpress.com

• Maintain a healthy weight by exercising and eating a healthy diet that consists of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants that can help maintain or improve eye health.

It is important to understand that while a study how to actually prevent the onset of cataracts has yet to be proven, making these lifestyle changes early on can come a long way when one reaches a certain age where his or her risk of acquiring cataracts increases.  

Dr Hitesh K. Patel offers cataract treatment at Patel Eye Associates in Edison, NJ. This website contains more information about its services.