What Are Some Things You Can Do To Lower Your Chances Of Getting Cataracts?

As you start to get older, you might worry about the fact that you could get cataracts in one or both of your eyes. Cataracts can make vision blurry and make it difficult to get things done in your life, but you may not know what you can do to lower the chances of getting them. Use the tips below to help prevent eye cataracts.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

One of the best ways you can lower your chances of getting cataracts in your eyes is to start living a healthy lifestyle. The first way to start doing this is to eat a vitamin-rich diet that can contribute to good eye health. For instance, you might want to increase the foods you eat that contain vitamin C, as one study shows that women who supplemented with this vitamin for 10 or more years managed to cut their chances of cataracts by 64%. Leafy green vegetables are also great for you, as they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, both shown to lower the chances of you getting cataracts.

It is also a good idea to steer clear of alcoholic drinks and cigarette smoking. You might already recognize that smoking cigarettes is terrible for your lungs, but you may not know that the habit is just as harmful for your eyes. You are twice as likely to develop eye cataracts if you are a smoker. Stick with less than two alcoholic drinks a day if you want to avoid getting cataracts in your eyes, as more than two can raise your risk.

Visit the Optometrist

You may not wear glasses, and if that is the case, you might not have seen an eye doctor for some time. However, just as the rest of your body should be checked out by a medical professional on a regular basis, it's a good idea to see an optometrist to keep track of your eye health. A good optometrist will be able to see early signs of cataracts before they start affecting your quality of life.

Get Shades with Ultraviolet Protection

If you enjoy being fashionable and wearing sunglasses, there's good news for you: your favorite shades might also be protecting your eyes against cataracts. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can contribute to cataracts, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection can provide a shield that helps your eyes avoid any harmful rays.

If you should get cataracts even after using the tips above, don't despair; contact a local optometrist to determine whether you could be a suitable candidate for cataract surgery. Visit with a practice, such as the California Eye Specialists Medical Group Inc., for more information.   


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