OOMC News

Understanding as much as you can about cataracts is the first step when it comes to preventing cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye that affects a person’s vision. While cataracts are most commonly related to aging, there are other types of cataracts that can affect anybody.

So you may think that you don’t need to know how to prevent cataracts, but there are day to day activities that can cause them. It’s best to be informed so you know how to protect yourself and your eye sight.

WHAT IS A CATARACT?

The lens is the clear part of the eye that focuses light or images on the retina. The light then passes through the lens to the retina. However, when the lens isn’t clear, the image could be blurry. A cataract develops when protein in the lens of the eye creates clumps. As these clumps get larger, light is unable to pass through to the retina, making vision blurry.

Keep reading to learn tips for preventing cataracts.

DIET

What you eat can actually keep you from developing cataracts. Be sure to include the following foods in your diet to reduce your risk of cataracts.

Leafy green vegetables: Foods such as spinach, kale, turnip greens and romaine lettuce are high in the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin which promote eye health.

Fruits and vegetable: Five servings of fruits and vegetables per day will provide your body with antioxidants that could fight cataracts.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Incorporate fresh, cold-water fish as well as flaxseed oil into your diet.

VITAMIN C

Consuming Vitamin C could slow or reverse the progression of cataracts. Taking a daily supplement can provide you with the recommended serving of Vitamin C that you need in a day. You could also add foods to your diet that are high in Vitamin C. These foods include broccoli, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, cantaloupe, papaya and green peppers.

EYE PROTECTION

It’s important to protect your eyes from the sun at all times. UV rays can be harmful to the eyes and cause cataracts. Avoid looking directly at the sun and always wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to protect your eyes from UV rays.

You also need to protect your eyes from trauma that may occur. Getting hit in the eyes can cause cataracts to form, so it’s crucial that you do all you can to prevent this from occurring. During sports and physical activity, make sure you wear googles.

REGULAR CHECK UPS

You should be getting routine eye exams, especially as you get older. Your doctor may notice cloudiness in your eyes or that the lens is becoming blocked by proteins and can monitor the progression. Without monitoring, you may not notice your vision decreasing over time. Regular check-ups allow your doctor to determine the best treatment methods and when it’s best to start.

While there is not one prevention tip that can keep you from developing cataracts, using caution can reduce your risk.