The Best Way To Avoid Developing Cataracts

Cataracts are a sight-threatening condition that affects virtually everyone in later life. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it. Indeed, making strategic life choices can have a distinct impact on the likelihood of them developing earlier than they should.Read on to discover the positive action you can take to avoid developing cataracts.

Cataract Prevention

• Why cataracts develop
• How to reduce the chances of developing cataracts

Why cataracts develop

While most cataracts develop as part of the aging process, this doesn’t mean it’s a foregone conclusion that you’ll be affected as soon as you enter middle age. Cataracts form because of changes in the lens in the eye. Parts of the tissue clump together, creating a cloudy barrier that gradually extends across the lens. As this happens, vision gradually becomes blurred and hazy, you might develop sensitivity to light, and have reduced vision at night. Left unchecked, cataracts can cause blindness.Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to slow the progression. Indeed, for many of us, doctors believe that it’s possible to reduce the risk of them forming until much later in life—such as your 70s or 80s.Even those who might be genetically predisposed to the condition would do well to take the same steps. While there are no proven strategies to prevent or slow the progression of developing cataracts, it seems that lifestyle choices have a positive effect.

How to reduce the chances of developing cataracts

The following are all believed to be helpful when it comes to slowing cataract development:

• Eat a healthy diet: Consume plenty of colorful fruit and vegetables regularly (think a minimum of 5 portions per day). As well as providing plenty of vitamins and minerals, these contain natural antioxidants that have, according to a recent large-scale study, been associated with reduced cataract risk. The effect was not the same with antioxidant supplements, so be sure to eat them in their natural form.
• Quit smoking: The harm from the toxins in cigarettes and tobacco are no secret. If there’s one single thing that you can do for whole-body health—including reducing the risk of developing cataracts—it’s to ditch the habit.
• Protect your eyes from UV light: Wear sunglasses and wear a peaked hat or visor that shades your eyes when outside in bright light. While it’s not totally understood if UV light contributes to the development of cataracts, there’s a strong suspicion that it might. Ensure your sunglasses block UVB rays.
• Manage your health problems: Take your medication as prescribed and take any other management steps as instructed by your doctor. Diabetics, for instance, are at an increased risk for cataracts, so managing the condition is essential.
• Reduce your alcohol intake: There’s a strong link between excessive alcohol use and the development of cataracts.
• Have regular eye exams: These will detect the formation of cataracts early, as well as any other eye conditions.

The Vital Role of Routine Eye Care

• The importance of cataract diagnosis and monitoring

The importance of cataract diagnosis and monitoring

It can’t be stressed enough how powerful routine eye care is in the diagnosis and management of cataracts. Your ophthalmologist will tell you how often the appointments should be—it will vary depending on your age, health, and eye conditions.If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, your eye doctor will advise when the time comes to consider treatment. This will ensure that you benefit from the best eyesight possible, no matter what your age.

Visit the WBEC: A Leading Center of Clinical Excellence for Cataract and Routine Eye Care

You do, of course, demand the highest standard of care for your precious eyesight. As well as the steps mentioned above, this also means partnering with the ultimate clinical professionals for routine care. Combine this expertise with an academic-grade clinical location, the most advanced cataract care on the planet, and customer service that’s second-to-none is what equals unparalleled eyecare from every angle.This is what patients at the West Boca Eye Center benefit from. Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Visit https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/routine-eye-care/ to find out more and book your appointment today.