10 Ways To Prevent Cataracts And Protect Your Eyesight

From proper nutrition to eye protection, safety, and hygiene, these expert tips can help prevent cataracts and maintain clear vision.

Did you know that cataracts are basically cloudy patches that form over your eye lens? Yep, that clear, curved structure that helps you focus can get all hazy and dull over time.

And guess what? Age is a big risk factor for getting cataracts. So, if you’re planning on sticking around this planet for a while, it’s important to take care of those peepers.

In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, over 50% of elders in the US who are 80 years or older had cataracts at some point in their life.

And with the aging population, experts predict that over 50 million people in the U.S. could have cataracts by the year 2050.

But there are some simple steps you can take to minimize your risk of developing cataracts or at least delay their onset.

10 Simple Ways To Prevent Cataracts

If you want to prevent cataracts from developing as you’re getting older, start taking care of your eyes early. Follow these tips!

1. Use Shades And Hats

As great as the sun is, it can also do some serious damage to your eyes. Yep, you read that right. Microscopic UV light from the sun can create free radicals that clump together proteins in your eyes, leading to cataracts.

And let’s be honest, nobody wants to deal with cloudy vision caused by a clump of proteins in their eye.

So, what can you do to keep your eyes happy and healthy? Get yourself some sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. That way, you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about the damage it’s doing to your eyes.

And while you’re at it, why not rock a stylish hat with a brim to provide even more protection? Not only will you look cool, but you’ll also be protecting your eyes from UV rays.

2. Protect Your Eyes From Injury

Did you know that injuries to your eyes can actually increase your risk of developing cataracts? Yup, it’s true!

To protect your eyes from possible injuries and prevent cataracts, you need to use safety equipment when necessary.

If you’re planning on engaging in any high-risk activities, using power tools, or handling chemicals, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing the proper safety eyewear.

Not only will you look like a cool and responsible adult, but you’ll also be protecting your eyes from potential hazards.

And listen, we know you love popping bottles of champagne to celebrate life’s many victories (big or small), but make sure you’re being extra careful when dealing with corks. One slip-up could result in a nasty eye injury, and nobody wants that.

Oh, and speaking of celebrations, let’s talk about fireworks. Sure, they’re beautiful and festive, but they’re also incredibly dangerous. Not only can they cause serious eye injuries, but they can also start fires and scare the bejeezus out of your pets.

So, if you absolutely must indulge in some pyrotechnics, please leave it to the professionals and enjoy the show from a safe distance.

3. Practice Good Eye Hygiene

Those hands of yours could be a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty bacteria and germs. And if you’re not careful, those little buggers could make their way into your eyes and wreak havoc, potentially leading to cataracts.

So, what can you do to keep your eyes protected and prevent cataracts? Well, for starters, make sure you’re washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

And avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands at all costs. I know it’s tempting to rub those itchy peepers, but doing so could introduce all sorts of bacteria and germs into your eyes. And nobody wants that.

If you do need to wipe your eyes, be sure to use a clean cloth or a brand-new tissue straight from the box. Your eyes deserve the best, after all.

4. Get Regular Eye Checkups

Cataracts and other eye diseases can be sneaky little buggers, often lurking in the shadows without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

But there’s a simple solution to keep those eyes in tip-top shape: regular eye check-ups.

By visiting your eye doctor every 2-3 years (more frequently if you’re over 60), you can catch those pesky eye diseases before they have a chance to wreak havoc on your vision.

Think of it like a check-up for your car. Sure, it might seem like a hassle at first, but it’s worth it to catch any potential problems before they turn into big, expensive headaches.

5. Avoid Exposure To Toxins

Certain toxins such as heavy metals and industrial chemicals can increase your risk of developing cataracts.

Even though the world can be a pretty toxic place, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure and keep your eyes healthy:

• Avoid environments with high levels of pollution such as the industrial area of your town.
• If you work in an environment with potential toxins, make sure you’re taking all the necessary safety precautions. Wear protective clothing, goggles, and masks if needed.
• Be mindful of the products you use in your daily life. Choose environmentally-friendly cleaning products, and try to avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals.

6. Reduce Your Exposure To Blue Light

The blue light that emanates from your beloved electronic devices can cause some serious damage to your eyes and increase your risk of developing cataracts.

So use blue light-blocking glasses to protect your eyes. These nifty little specs are designed to filter out blue light and keep your eyes protected while you scroll through your social media feeds or binge-watch your favorite shows.

Plus, they come in all sorts of fun styles, so you can show off your fashion sense while keeping your eyes healthy.

If you don’t want to rock the glasses, no worries. There are also screen filters that you can apply directly to your electronic devices. These filters work by reducing the amount of blue light that your screen emits, thus reducing your exposure to this pesky light.

Now, I know that cutting back on screen time altogether might seem impossible in today’s world. After all, how else are you supposed to stay up-to-date on the latest memes?

But by reducing your exposure to blue light, you can keep your eyes healthy and happy.

7. Treat Other Eye Conditions

It’s essential to take care of your eyes, and that means not only keeping an eye out for cataracts but also for other eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

These conditions can increase your risk of developing cataracts, so it’s important to treat them promptly.

Remember, regular check-ups with your eye doctor can help catch and treat these conditions early.

That means you’ll not only be reducing your risk of cataracts, but you’ll also be doing your eyes a huge favor by catching and treating any eye problems early.

8. Follow A Balanced Diet

Did you know that eating a nutritious diet can actually help prevent cataracts? So now might be the right time to get on the healthy side of your diet.

Now, I’m not saying you have to become a health nut overnight. But incorporating more fruits, veggies, and minimally processed foods into your diet can work wonders for your eyes.

Nutrients in food are better at preventing cataracts than supplements, so why not indulge in some delicious, healthy grub?

And if you’re wondering what kind of nutrients I’m talking about, look no further than antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E. These little powerhouses can help fight free radicals, which can harm healthy cells and lead to cataracts.

So, load up on those leafy greens, berries, and nuts, and give your eyes the nourishment they deserve.

9. Drink Moderately

By cutting back on your alcohol intake, you may be able to reduce your risk of cataracts. It’s not about becoming a teetotaler overnight – even just minimizing your alcohol consumption can make a difference.

So, next time you’re out with the gang, maybe consider sipping on a mocktail or two. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find a new favorite non-alcoholic drink – there are plenty of delicious options out there that won’t leave you seeing double.

10. Quit Smoking

Smoking is not just bad for your lungs, it’s bad for your eyes too. It can increase your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

But by kicking the habit, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing these eye conditions. It may not be easy, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.

Plus, think of all the money you’ll save on cigarettes – you could use that extra cash to buy some delicious, nutritious food (see point 8 above).

The Takeaway

You can’t always avoid cataracts from happening, but you can definitely take some action to reduce the risk or delay their onset.

Just protect your eyes from the sun and other contaminants, reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, and eat a balanced diet that promotes healthy vision.

However, if after all precautions you do get cataracts, visit ArabiaMD to seek expert advice on what to do and what not.

Remember, prevention is better than cure! So, if you’re worried about cataracts, don’t hesitate to talk to your eye doctor.