Is There Any Way To Prevent Cataracts From Developing?

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye lens that can cause changes in your vision including cloudiness, blurriness, and sensitivity to glare. Cataracts can either occur in one eye or both, but it isn’t a disease that can spread from one eye to the other.


Cataracts are often experienced by those who are older and are fairly common in people over the age of 80. But what causes cataracts in the first place and is surgery the only treatment option?

What causes cataracts?

As you get older, you may wonder if there’s anything you can do to prevent cataracts from forming. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to prevent yourself from developing cataracts as you age.


Yet, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make that can help to reduce your risk of developing cataracts. These changes include:

 

• Eat a vitamin-rich diet. Some studies have shown that foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help to reduce your chances of developing cataracts.

• Quit smoking. Smoking can hurt your lungs and heart, but it can also hurt your eyes by creating more free radicals (chemicals that hurt your cells). Your body produces good chemicals to fight off these bad chemicals, but smoking kills off the good ones.

• Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet light can cause changes in your eyes and may make you more susceptible to developing cataracts. By protecting your eyes with sunglasses when necessary, you can help to reduce your risk.

 

 

When do I need cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment option for cataracts, but your eye doctor may decide to wait until the cataract is larger before recommending surgery.


This is because the symptoms of an early cataract can be improved with anti-glare sunglasses or new eyeglasses. Surgery is only necessary when your vision has become impaired and it affects your everyday activities.

Who can I contact about cataract surgery?

If you’re asking yourself, “When do I need cataract surgery?” it may be time to speak to a specialist. We specialize in many types of eye surgery including LASIK eye surgery and cataract surgery to correct blurry vision.


The success rate of cataract surgery is 98% so you can be sure you’ll be seeing well again not long after your procedure. To learn more about your vision correction options and how to restore your vision with cataract surgery, contact us today.