Human eyes are complex. The way they change over time varies from person to person. Lifestyles, diets, habits, and genetics play a significant role in determining eye health in the long run. If you fail to take care of your vision at the right time, you might be faced with symptoms such as premature eyesight deterioration, development, and worsening of cataracts over an extended period.
While cataracts mostly affect older people, they may be exacerbated by certain lifestyle habits which are detrimental to the eyes. It clouds your vision and makes it difficult for you to go about your daily tasks seamlessly. Therefore, it is important that you are always mindful of your eye health and get a diagnosis through frequent eye exams beforehand. Let us take a closer look at what are cataracts and how they can be prevented.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are an eye condition where a clouded layer forms over the lens of the eye over time. This is a common condition that can be found in older patients. The layer that forms over the eye lens is usually due to the gradual breakdown of the proteins and fibres within the lens. This deterioration of the organic matter within the lens causes the vision to become hazy and clouded as if you were looking through a frosted window.
To understand what are cataracts and how they’re formed, it is important to understand how certain causes are universal while some are lifestyle oriented. The inability of the retina to coherently register images after a complete clouding of the lens can become a problem for people as they navigate their daily activities or work. Hence it is essential to look out for the following symptoms of cataracts and get the right diagnosis on time.
- light sensitivity
- increasingly blurred vision
- lack of clarity in colours
- trouble seeing at night/dim environments
- frequent changes in eyesight prescriptions
- halo effects around lights
- double vision
While these symptoms might be common to most eye conditions in their dormant stages, the fundamental difference is cataracts can be surgically removed or be medically treated easily. While knowing what are cataracts and how to prevent them, it is essential to know their causes. Let us look at some of the different causes of cataracts:
- Old age
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Obesity
- Eye injury
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Usage of Corticosteroid medication
- Eye surgery (if any)
- Congenital (from birth)
Simply understanding what are cataracts is hardly adequate to combat the chances of developing them. Knowing the causes of cataracts and how to prevent them always goes in tandem. Here are some basic preventive measures against cataracts –
- Frequent Eye Exams: While cataracts can be surgically removed even after they have fully formed, one might prefer non-invasive methods like medication or prescription eyeglasses to treat cataracts. Therefore, early detection can reduce the need for surgery and limit inconvenience.
- Healthy Diet: A fruit and vegetable-rich diet is always beneficial for long-term eye health. A balanced vitamin and antioxidants intake can curb the chances of developing cataracts and keep the eyes healthier.
- Manage Existing Health Problems such as Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure and diabetes are known to exacerbate the development of cataracts due to the way in which they affect the proteins and blood vessels of the eyes. Therefore, blood pressure and blood sugar levels must be duly regulated to keep cataracts from forming or worsening.
- Reduce Smoking and Alcohol Dependency: These lifestyle habits increase the risk of cataracts which makes it important for you to limit your dependency on them.
- Invest in Sunglasses and Protective Eyewear: Unfiltered exposure to UV radiation can cause cataracts as well. Therefore, you must wear sunglasses that keep your eyes protected from the sunlight.
Since cataracts may be cumbersome to navigate, the right pair of eyeglasses can help. Trusted eyewear brands like Titan Eyeplus offer a great range of customizable eyeglasses and sunglasses that can help you stay protected and keep your eyes healthy for a long.