6 Ways in which you can lower Cataract Risk
By Nmami Agarwal 08-Aug 2022 Reading Time: 4 Mins
Population getting affected with cataracts is increasing all over the world, Also a number of increasing blindness is due to cataracts. Age is one of the most common factors of cataracts, other factors include UV rays, genetics, medical conditions, and certain medicines. Making certain lifestyle changes help in lowering the risks of cataracts
- Including healthy and nutritious food – Including foods that are rich in Anti-Oxidants, Vitamin C, and E may help in preventing cataracts and also help in slowing their growth if already present. Having a nutritious diet helps in keeping eyesight and overall health good. Vitamin C-rich foods include Citrus fruits, Tomato, Broccoli, Kiwi Fruit, and Red and Green peppers. Vitamin E-rich foods include nuts and seeds, Spinach, Broccoli, vegetable oils like sunflower, safflower, and wheat germ.
- Protect Eyes from UV Rays – UV Rays, X-Rays, and Microwave rays hurt vision badly and are harmful to the eyes. Wearing protective glasses during the day when you are outside as well when working on computers or in front of rays can help you protect your eye health.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking is injurious to health. It not only impacts the heart and lungs but also affects eyesight. Smoking creates a lot of free radicals and produces toxins that cause cataracts. Even if you have a healthy diet all the harmful chemicals through smoking will not let nutrients get absorbed and affect the eyesight leading to cataracts.
- Limit Alcohol – Alcohol in moderation may not harm your health. But consuming alcohol in excess increases the chances of cataracts. Alcohol does not let nutrients get absorbed and affects health.
- Manage Health Problems – Heath issues like diabetes and hypertension contribute to cataracts. Managing blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels with a healthy lifestyle and medicines prescribed by doctors do not impact eye health. One should also ensure to regularly keep a check on blood sugar and blood pressure levels and regularly consult with a doctor.
- Get a regular Eye check-up done – Spread for cataracts is gradual and the eye doctor can spot the problem early on. After the age of 40 years one should get an eye checkup done every 1-2 years and in case of the slightest problem in eyesight should visit the doctor. ForPeoplelow 40 years of age should take all the steps to prevent cataracts and visit a doctor when they feel even the slightest issue.
Over to you
Cataract risk can be lowered and its growth can be slowed by taking health and effective measures.