Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process and cannot be avoided. A cataract is cloudiness of the eye lens, which causes cloudy or blurry vision. By age 65, more than 90% of Americans have a cataract.
You can take steps to prolong their development, although genetically speaking, you may still develop cataracts early in life. Keep reading to learn what you can do to try to delay cataracts.
Eliminate Unhealthy Habits and Factors
By doing things that improve your general health, you also decrease your chances of developing early cataracts. Certain habits and choices can go a long way for health and delaying cataract development.
Smoking is strongly linked with early cataract development and innumerable other health problems. Quitting smoking will go a long way to keep you and your eyes healthy.
Excessive use of alcohol is also a significant health risk. You can lower your risk of developing cataracts early by drinking alcohol in moderation.
Uncontrolled diabetes is very dangerous for your eyes. Chronic high blood sugar will raise your risk for developing early cataracts. Managing and controlling your blood sugar is imperative if you have diabetes.
Another factor that can significantly increase your odds of early cataract development is ultraviolet rays from the sun. But you can protect your eyes against this with sunglasses that have 100% UV protection. Also, limit your sun exposure to keep your eyes safe.
Be Proactive in Your Eye Health
Your diet plays a massive role in your health and well-being, and that includes your eyesight. For cataract prevention specifically, be sure to eat a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, specifically from fruits and vegetables.
It’s also essential to have regular eye exams. Catching cataracts early in their development gives you and your eye doctor time to track how fast they are growing.
You can formulate a plan before they interfere with your eyesight. Early detection lets you prepare for surgery and manage symptoms while you still have sight.
Otherwise, you may be going through that process with impaired or lost vision.
The Cataract Surgery Essentials
If cataracts begin to interfere with your life, cataract surgery is a straightforward, effective procedure that can restore your eyesight.
Cataract surgery is among the safest surgeries performed today. Your surgeon will remove your natural lens and replace it with an intraocular lens or IOL. The IOL can do the job your natural lens did, and it cannot develop cataracts. There is a lot of variety in IOLs, and your eye doctor will help you select the best one for you.
The simplest IOLs are monofocal IOLs that give you clear sight at one distance. You will still need to wear glasses for other distances (such as near and intermediate vision.)
Higher-end IOLs or premium IOLs have much greater vision capabilities. Multifocal lenses have several zones of clear vision and can correct both distance and near vision.
Depending on the quality of your eyesight before cataracts, some IOLs could give you the best vision of your life. No matter which IOL you choose, it will improve your sight if cataracts are the main cause for vision issues.
Are you concerned you have cataracts? Schedule an appointment at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL!
