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The risk for developing cataracts is already pretty high among the general population, with 70 percent of people developing cataract symptoms by the age of 75. Even with such a high risk, there are still things you can do to lower your risk factors.
1. Protect your eyes from the sun.
You have likely heard a lot about the importance of protecting your skin from sun exposure, but eyes often do not get the same attention. Even so, sun damage is one of the factors that increases risk for cataracts later in life. Wear UV protective sunglasses and a hat with a brim to help minimize these risks.
2. Limit your alcohol intake.
Everyone knows excessive drinking can lead to liver damage and a host of other issues, but too much alcohol can also increase your potential to develop cataracts. If you are a heavy drinker, cutting back on libations can help you protect your eyes later in life.
3. Get proper treatment for diabetes.
Diabetes is already associated with the development of eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy, but diabetes is also associated with an increased risk for cataracts. Properly monitoring and controlling sugar levels with the help of a doctor could decrease your risk for both issues.
4. Stop smoking.
There are seemingly a million reasons to stop smoking—cancer risks, oral health, cost. However, if you need another reason to help you kick the habit, giving up smoking can help lower the likelihood of you having vision problems later in life.
In addition to the risk that comes from smoking alone, radiation therapies used to treat cancers can also cause cataracts, so putting down the cigarettes can really help you double-down on protecting your vision.
5. Manage high blood pressure.
People who suffer from high blood pressure have a higher potential for developing cloudy vision. If you suspect you have hypertension or have a family history of the disease, talk to your doctor about a proper diet, exercise, and (if necessary) medication regimen to help get your blood pressure down.
6. Lose weight.
Obesity is a widespread issue in western society, and studies show it is hard to shed the pounds and keep them off, especially without help. With that said, higher body fat is one of the causes of cataracts. Working with a doctor to get your weight down might help you stave off cataracts in your later years.
While you can minimize your risks for developing cataracts, it is important to know that if you do develop them (or already have them), cataract treatment is easy. People who receive cataract surgery not only have better vision but a decreased likelihood of taking a tragic fall.
Here at EyeCare 2020, we strive to help patients have the best cataract surgery experience they can, by helping them minimize both cost and recovery time. If you have cataract symptoms, make an appointment to talk to one of our specialists about cataract surgery today.
