Preventing and Treating Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. They are not noticeable at first. This allows them to slowly creep in stealthily, leaving you no time to take precautions. However, there are treatment options you can take in the early stages. Being keen on any changes in your vision is key to preventing and treating cataracts before they cause blindness.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding in the usually clear, natural lens of your eye. They become common as you grow older, blurring your vision over time. You will notice the changes in your sight as you read or go about your daily activities.

Cause of Cataracts

With time, the proteins in the eye break down and clump together. The clumping causes the clouding in your natural eye lens. Over time, the cloudiness continues to increase with more clumping.

At this point, it is advisable to discuss the treatment and removal of cataracts with your doctor. Removing cataracts earlier will help you deal with them before they complicate surgery.

Prevention and Treatment of Cataracts

There are no definite antidotes or ways to prevent cataracts. However, some lifestyle changes can help you lower your risk.

Protecting Your Eyes From Ultraviolet Rays

Wearing sunglasses is cool. However, their most important function is protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays cause changes in your eyes. They damage the proteins in your lens, causing them to break down and clump together. UVB rays are especially harmful. So as you select the right pair of sunglasses for yourself, be keen to look out for UVB protection.

Regular Eye Checkups

Visiting your eye doctor may not prevent cataracts. However, it will help you know your cataract status early. It will allow you to get treatment, manage the condition, and mitigate blindness. If you are between 40 to 60 years old, see your doctor every two years. But if you are over 60, plan for checkups every year.

Eat Right

The best way to eat right is to consume a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It helps ensure that you do not lack any vitamins or nutrients you need for optimal health. Fruits and vegetables have high levels of antioxidants. These compounds are essential for eye and vision health. However, the same does not apply to dietary supplements.

Quit Smoking

Smoking creates more free radicals in your eyes. Free radicals are chemicals that harm the cells. The antioxidants from fruits and vegetables fight these chemicals. However, smoking will produce toxins that decrease the antioxidants and cause cataracts.

Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

If you have diabetes, you must keep your blood sugar in check. Without care, high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in your body. It includes the tiny vessels in the eyes. The lens turns the blood sugar into sorbitol, which collects and makes it hard to see clearly. Hence the formation of cataracts.

Early Surgical Treatment

Surgery may not stop cataracts completely. However, it will help you manage the condition. Removing cataracts at this stage will improve the quality of your life. You will be able to drive more comfortably. It also ensures that you are confident on the road and safer.

For more information on preventing and treating cataracts, visit Trinity Vision Center at our office in Walla Walla, Washington. You can call (509) 260-3500 today to schedule an appointment.

Preventing and Treating Cataracts