Improving Your Look

3 Tips For Preventing Cataracts

Cataracts are characterized by a clouding of the eyes' lens. This cloudiness not only affects the way a person looks, but it also affects their overall vision. While surprising to learn, more than 80% of people will have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of developing cataracts. Here are a few simple solutions for preventing cataracts.

1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are crucial if you want to reduce your risk of cataracts, vision problems, or other eye-related conditions. Annual eye exams are recommended for most patients, no matter what their age. However, as you age, the risk of eye disease and vision problems increases, so annual eye exams are even more important.

Early signs of cataracts and other eye disorder will display warning signs, which your eye doctor can see, so most experts recommend that adults get a comprehensive eye exam when they turn 40 years old. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, eye exams should be conducted more frequently.

2. Protect Your Eyes

Most people know that they should wear protective eye gear when working around dangerous chemicals or hazardous equipment and materials. Surprisingly, protecting your eyes is important, even when you are not placing your eyes in direct risk of chemicals and hazards. The sun, for example, can weaken your eyes and affect your vision. In addition, the harmful rays of the sun can increase your risk of developing cataracts when you are older. To protect your eyes and overall vision, wear sunglasses when outdoors. Choose sunglass lenses that offer UVA and UVB protection for the most effective care.

3. Eat Well

A well-balanced diet can benefit your health and wellness in numerous ways, but you may be surprised to learn how eating well can reduce your risk of developing cataracts. An excess amount of glucose in the body can also build up in the eye, causing cataracts. Since diabetics have this excess amount of glucose, following a healthy diet to reduce your risk of diabetes is key to preventing cataracts. If you already have diabetes, changing your diet to avoid sugary, starchy foods is essential.

Certain foods can also reduce the risk of cataracts by strengthening the eye's health. Fish and nuts are both loaded in omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen the eyes. Also, green, leafy vegetables and carrots contain numerous vitamins and minerals that benefit the eyes and vision. For more information and tips, contact your local ophthalmology office today. 


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