Whoever claims they’ve got a 100% working cure against cataracts, isn’t telling the truth. Despite many studies having being conducted, a medicine or a way to prevent cataracts hasn’t been discovered. Still, that doesn’t mean all doors to this problem have been shut. Doctors involved in the research believe there are certain things you can do when it comes to cataracts prevention.
1) Eye examinations
We can’t stress enough the importance of regular eye examinations. Your eye doctor can detect cataracts or any other eye problems at their early stage and prescribe therapy that will make the problem go away. Depending on your eye condition, you should consult with your doctor about how often you should have your eyes examined.
2) Get Your Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are multi functional and help with variety of things, one of them being fighting inflammation and shielding your eyes from cataract development. The research conducted in 2005 showed that those who had a higher intake of omega-3s had a reduced risk of cataracts. You can consume omega-3 through food – it’s found in oily fish like salmon and sardines or you can buy omega-3 supplements.
3) Quit smoking
Smoking is generally a bad habit. It can mess up with your overall health, causing multiple issues, one of them being cataracts. Even though quitting smoking isn’t an easy thing to do, you must think of your health first. Consult with your doctor on ways to stop smoking. You can opt for counseling, medications, patches and plenty other strategies at your disposal. Many have even undergone hypnosis trying to quit this horrible habit. And guess what – as long as you are firm on wanting to quit, it’s going to happen!
4) Alcohol
Reducing alcohol intake will be beneficial for your body on so many levels. You’ll feel better, look better and you’ll be a few steps away from catching the risk of cataracts.
5) Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a real necessity whenever you leave the house, especially during spring and summer days. Ultraviolet light from the sun is likely to contribute to the development of cataracts so it’s essential you wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
6) Take care of your health
We often forget to treat our body the way it deserves – a temple. Stress, bad food, genetically induced diseases, lack of sleep… all these and many other factors contribute to our body deteriorating slowly without us even noticing it. This then may lead to various health conditions, one of them being cataracts. To stay clear of any trouble, take good care of your health and lower the risk of cataracts.
7) Body weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight will not only help you in cataracts prevention but will have a positive effect on your overall health.
With crazy work hours we all have, it’s not a surprise to gain a few pounds or lose weight unwillingly. We all respond differently to stress, so it’s important you consult with your nutritionist, dietitian and trainer about your food intake and exercise regimen.
Include a lot of fluids, vegetables and fruits into your diet and exercise at least three times a week. You should drink over 8 glasses of water per day. Include green tea in your diet. The healthier you eat, the better you’ll feel and there’ll be less chance of you catching a disease.
As it has been mentioned, there are no clear and 100% established pointers of cataracts preventers. It’s important you follow through our abovementioned advice and keep your health in good check. If, however, cataracts do appear have a consultation with your eye doctor. He will most probably and rightfully so, advise you undergo laser eye surgery and common dry eye treatment. Both are a safe and effective technique of eye treatment so you shouldn’t be afraid even if it comes to it.
