Let’s see how we can prevent cataracts
are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and an estimated 30 per cent of people over 65 are visually impaired due to cataracts in one or both eyes.
Cataracts develop when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. The development of cataracts is associated with advancing age, family history, poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, smoking, prolonged steroid medication, severe shortsightedness, previous eye injury or inflammation.
While you cannot do anything about your age or family history, you can reduce the risk of cataract formation.
Cataracts can be prevented by a healthy diet with antioxidants.
Antioxidants are substances that occur naturally in plant food. They protect the body from harmful molecules known as free radicals.
Free radicals are the natural byproduct of normal bodily processes or inflammation.
They can also be acquired through pollution, ultraviolet exposure, food contaminants, household chemicals and cigarette smoke.
Antioxidants that are important for your eyes include vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
The best way for you to get antioxidants is from food.
The Canadian College of Family Physician’s food guide encourages you to enjoy vegetarian meals often.
Smoking is another risk factor to avoid.
Smoking leads to accumulations of heavy metals like cadmium in the lens, which will lead to cataracts.
Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of cataract.
It is essential to keep your blood sugar level within the normal range as studies have found that people with poorly-controlled diabetes have a higher risk of cataracts.
Last but not least, using sunglasses can cut your risk of getting cataracts.
Ultraviolet light damages the proteins in your lens, therefore look for protective sunglasses that block 99 per cent of UVA and 100 per cent of UVB rays.
Once a cataract has formed, there is no other way to treat it other than surgery.
This can be done as a quick outpatient procedure with minimal risk of complication.
Recovery of vision is rapid, and there is little disruption to daily activities.
If you develop symptoms suggestive of a cataract, visit your ophthalmologist for advice.