Good health habits may help prevent cataracts and/or slow their progression. According to the National Eye Institute, by 2050 the number of people in the United States with cataracts is expected to double from 24.4 million to roughly 50 million. This increase is alarming, but there are steps you can take to protect your eye health.
“Cataracts slowly progress over time,” says Paul (Suketu) Patel, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Piedmont. “When a patient reaches a point where they don’t trust their vision, especially while driving, it is definitely time to seek medical treatment."
Symptoms of cataracts
The classic signs of cataracts include:
- Cloudiness in the eye lens that progressively gets bigger and darker
- Trouble reading fine print
- A change in eyeglass prescriptions
- Trouble seeing at night, especially while driving (such as increased sensitivity to glare and halos surrounding lights)
Cataracts risk factors
Cataracts seem to be a part of the natural aging process. Starting at age 40, your risk of cataracts increases with each decade of life. More alarming is the fact that cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and they are the primary cause of blindness in the world, according to Prevent Blindness America. Besides aging, Dr. Patel points out several other contributing factors, some of which can be prevented or minimized, including:
Preventing cataracts
“Everyone should make an effort to wear sunglasses and a wide brim hat when they go outdoors,” says Dr. Patel. “Establishing this habit early on can help prevent overexposure to damaging ultraviolet sun rays. It’s the long-term effects that come back to bite us.”
Some research indicates oxidation in the eye lens causes cataracts. Therefore following a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants is helpful in reducing the risk and progression of cataracts. Certain vitamins may also be helpful in decreasing your risk. Vitamins A, C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids all boost eye health.
Treatment options for cataracts
Since cataracts develop over time, once symptoms begin, Dr. Patel usually recommends a wait-and-see approach that includes regular eye doctor visits. Once cataracts start to affect a patient’s daily living, cataract surgery is typically the best option. There are several methods, but all are outpatient procedures performed under topical anesthesia. Typical recovery time is seven to 10 days of rest with no heavy lifting or bending.
“Establishing a relationship with an ophthalmologist and attending regular eye screenings is key to maintaining optimum eye health,” says Dr. Patel. “Catching cataracts and other vision changes early typically yields the best outcomes. Eye health is not something that should be compromised.”
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