Follow These 4 Cataract Prevention Tips

Cataract cannot be avoided in old age, but by following the below tips, it can be delayed. 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. You can follow the below tips to make your overall eye healthy:

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.

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.

Myths & Facts on Cataract Treatment

• Many home remedies for cataract found on the internet are not scientifically proven. Some of them can even be harmful to the eyes.
• Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds) is good for overall eye health, but it cannot cure or reverse an existing cataract.

Things You Should NOT Do Without Consulting an Eye Doctor

• Do not put oils in your eyes, including castor oil.
• Avoid using honey, rose water, or herbal extracts directly in the eyes.
• Do not use unlabeled or over-the-counter eye drops that claim to dissolve cataracts.

The Only Proven Treatment

• The only effective treatment for cataract is cataract surgery.
• In this procedure, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (IOL).
• Waiting too long can lead to an advanced cataract, which may make surgery more complicated.

When to See a Doctor for Cataract

Even if you follow all preventive tips, changes in the eye lens can still occur over time. Regular eye check-ups help detect cataracts or other vision problems at an early stage. You should consult an eye doctor If you face:

1. Blurred or unclear vision, especially while reading or driving at night.

2. Glare or halos around lights.

3. Needing brighter light to read than before.

4. Frequent changes in spectacle power.

5. Difficulty doing everyday tasks such as:

- Reading

- Driving

- Recognizing faces

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.