Spotlight on Cataract Prevention

Cataracts involve the gradual breakdown of the proteins in the lens of the eye. This breakdown occurs as a result of damage to the protein that develops over time. The damage to the lens causes cloudy vision. 

If left untreated, cataracts can lead to vision loss. As reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, aging is the most common cause of cataracts. 

While you cannot control your age, you can control other risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cataracts. 
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This article examines steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cataracts as you age. 
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Do you have risk factors for cataracts?

Anyone can develop cataracts, but they are more common in certain populations. In addition to aging, you may have a greater risk of cataracts if you have the following conditions: 

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• A family history of cataracts 
• Past eye injury 
• Radiation to the eye 
• Excessive sun exposure
• Long-term steroid medication use
• Heavy alcohol use 

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Reducing your risk

Certain cataract risk factors are not controllable, such as family history and age, but you have control over several other risks. Below are five ways you can prevent or reduce your risk of developing cataracts.  

Decrease your risk of eye injury 

Having sustained a previous eye injury increases your risk of developing cataracts at some point in your life. There are steps you can take to decrease your risk of developing an eye injury, such as: 

• Wearing proper eye protection for your activity, which may include safety goggles at work or when operating power tools
• Wearing a helmet with a facemask when participating in contact sports 
• Taking precautions when opening bottles with corks, such as looking away or placing a towel over the cork  
• Avoiding handling fireworks

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Limit Alcohol 

Drinking excess alcohol appears to increase the risk of cataracts. The exact physiological reason is not entirely apparent, but research in the journal Nature found that higher lifetime drinking is linked to an increased cataract risk. 

The study found that there was a significant increase in cataract risk in men who drank more than 90 drinks per year and women who drank more than 40 drinks per year. 
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Protect your eyes from the sun's UV light

Ultraviolet light from the sun can have several adverse effects, including an increased risk of cataracts. The ultraviolet light disrupts the proteins in the lens, causing them to clump.

There are ways to enjoy time outdoors and still protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. Consider the following: 

• Wearing sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection 
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat 
• Spending some of your outdoor time in the shade 

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Stop Smoking 

Smoking cigarettes can damage the blood vessels in the body, including the vessels in the eyes. When the blood vessels become damaged, they can affect their ability to transport nutrients to the eye. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who smoke are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts than people who do not smoke cigarettes. 

If you smoke, talk with a healthcare professional about ways to quit, including: 

• Nicotine replacement therapy 
• Prescription medication 
• Behavior modification therapy 
  
• Smoking cessation classes

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Eat eye-healthy foods

Getting the proper nutrients can help decrease your risk of certain eye diseases and obesity. It also helps provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to keep your eyes healthy. 

Try to eat a diet with plenty of foods, such as:

• Whole grains
• Leafy greens
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Lean protein 
• Nuts

Additionally, one of the best ways you can keep your eyes healthy is to have regular eye exams. If you have any questions about cataracts, we are happy to help. 

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.