By:  Mark A. Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S.

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.
 

Make YOUR eyes smile again ...