Can Cataract Be Prevented Naturally?

Cataract is a disease that is associated with age, whereby the natural lens of the eye becomes old and opaque, thus leading to blurred vision and glare. It cannot be totally avoided in old age, but in most people, healthy lifestyles will delay its onset and reduce the degree of its destruction.

Simple but powerful preventive measures to reduce your risk level of gigantic cataract in your lifetime are a proper diet, UV protection, diabetes, tobacco and heavy drinking control. Cataract and other eye-related complications can also be detected at an earlier age, before they begin to influence the day-to-day life of an individual, by undertaking regular eye check-ups in a well-reputed centre such as Save Sight Centre.

Natural Ways to Lower Cataract Risk

1. Eat an antioxidant-rich diet

A healthy diet is one of the most natural methods of taking care of your eye lens and reducing the risks of cataracts as you get older. The food you consume silently helps to keep the ability of your lens to deal with oxidative stress, which is one of the primary causes of age-related cataract. Such nutrients as vitamins A, C, and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids also demonstrate a protective effect and contribute to the preservation of clarity and delay the damage. It can not be a quick fix, but a long-term investment in your vision.

This, practically, translates to piling your plate with food that your eyes are aware of being useful. Spinach, kale, Methi and sarson are leafy greens that have lutein and zeaxanthin. Oranges, guava, amla, bell peppers, tomatoes and other bright vegetables and fruits contain vitamins A and C and carotene. These foods in combination, help in the overall well-being of the eyes and may help in slowing or preventing the formation or progression of cataracts due to ageing.

2. Protect your eyes from UV light

Unprotected exposure to sunlight (particularly to UV-B rays) over time is a well-ascertained risk element that leads to cataract earlier and more dense.

• Wear good-quality sunglasses, which protect 99-100 per cent of the UVB and UVA rays when in the bright sun.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella in the daytime when the sun is brightest to reduce the quantity of sunlight that reaches the eyes.
• The practices are particularly applicable in India, where the sun is scorching throughout the greater part of the year.

3. Control diabetes and other medical conditions

Uncontrolled diabetes has a close association with the premature and accelerated cataract development. A change in high blood sugar affects the lens metabolism and attracts fluid to the lens, thus making it cloudier faster.

To reduce this risk:

• Good sugar control, blood pressure and cholesterol with a diet high in exercise and medication.
• Diabetics are recommended to have their eyes examined regularly.
• Eat well and exercise most days of the week.
• One of the most effective natural cures for healthier eyes is good general health.

4. Avoid smoking and alcohol

The smoking increases the oxidative stress in the body, and eventually, the damage is reflected in the eyes as well. Indeed, smoking has been repeatedly associated with an increased risk of getting cataracts, and getting them much earlier in life than otherwise, and with the resultant cataract surgery.

In case you are a smoker, it would be best to quit. But even a reduction, frankly, can do some good. When you cut down on that regular exposure to toxins, your eyes react remarkably. Alcohol has a lesser role to play, but it matters. Little, regular decisions do not go waste, and your eyes will tell you that sooner than you think.

Natural Remedies vs Myths – What Actually Helps?

Numerous home remedies suggested on the Internet as a kind of treatment for cataract is not scientifically supported and, in fact, are dangerous. A diet high in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds) would be beneficial to the well-being of the eye, but will not repair a cataract which has already developed.

What should not be done without a medical consultation:

• The oils (including castor oil), honey, rose water or herbal extracts can be directly applied to the eyes.
• Using cataract drops that are unlabeled or over the counter, which they claim dissolve cataracts.

The only known cataract treatment, which is proven to be effective after the cataract has a major influence on daily activity, is cataract surgery with lens implantation. Treatment of advanced cataract should not be considered a prevention or slowing of progression, but a natural means.

When to See a Doctor for Cataract

Even with the observation of all the prevention tips, changes in the lens can still take place. Proper eye examinations will help you know where you are.

You must get your eyes examined so that you might notice:

• Bad or indistinct vision, especially when reading or driving in the dark.
• Darkness near the lights, brighter is needed to read or regular variations in the power of the glass.
• Difficulty with normal operations like reading, operating cars or recognising faces due to blurred vision.

At Save Sight Centre in Delhi, the cataract specialist will conduct a thorough eye check-up and clarify to you that you either require simple eyewear, lifestyle modification, or surgery to remove the cataract as the next step. Surgery has been done to restore clear sight with the help of modern technologies like Phacoemulsification and Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS) using high-quality intraocular lenses, which can restore vision within a short time with a high level of safety.

Cataract Prevention and Care at Save Sight Centre

At Save Sight Centre, surgery is not the only way of treating cataract; the team also pays attention to early identification and preventive counselling. At regular eye examinations, the doctors will check for early lens changes, check on your vision and discuss with you on diet, UV protection, diabetes control and other habits that will enable you to maintain your eye health.

In case you already have cataract, the doctors describe in simple terms whether it is mild (observation and lifestyle changes), moderate (possibly requires closer follow-up), or severe enough to take into consideration surgery, depending on your symptoms and everyday needs. With the NABH accreditation and 15 years of experience in the sphere of cataract surgery and the usage of modern equipment under your belt, Save Sight Centre will provide you with a safe and customised cataract surgery and the right lens that meets all your requirements in terms of age, health and visual expectations at the right time.