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As a cataract
specialist, I am asked daily if cataracts
can be prevented. Many recent scientific
studies show that this can be done.
A cataract is when the lens inside your
eye turns cloudy and blocks what can be
seen. The majority of cataracts are caused
by aging and there are no known ways to
prevent these types of cataracts or
reverse the effects of cataracts that have
already begun to form.
Other causes of cataracts can be from
trauma, diabetes, and prolonged exposure
to sunlight, just to name a few.
Here are a few tips that readers may use
to possibly help delay or prevent
cataracts from causes other than aging.
1. Protect the eyes from trauma. An injury
to the eye can cause cataracts to form
almost immediately. Wear safety glasses
when the situation calls for them.
2. Protect the eyes from the potential
side effects of certain medication, such
as prolonged use of steroids,
tranquilizers, and psoriasis medication,
which can cause cataracts when taken in
large doses over a long period of time.
Please seek advice from your medical
doctor and ophthalmologist when taking
these medications on a daily basis.
3. All diabetics should keep their blood
sugar/diabetes under tight control.
Without a doubt, diabetics are known to
get faster growing cataracts at an earlier
age than other adults.
4. Protect your eyes from ultraviolet sun
rays. Ultraviolet rays are harmful to the
eye just like they are to the skin. They
accelerate the development of cataracts.
Adults and even children who are
frequently exposed to the sun would be
wise to wear ultraviolet protective
sunglasses outside. This has been shown to
slow cataract development.
5. Antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C,
vitamin E and beta carotene have been
shown to slow the development of
cataracts. One-a-day vitamins, to insure
intake of 100 percent of the recommended
daily allowance, could help.
6. If there is uncontrolled diabetes,
injury to the eye, or visual symptoms of
decreased reading vision, patients should
ask their medical doctor to have an
ophthalmologist specialist evaluate their
problem to help restore sight and prevent
blindness. |
