Millions of people in the United States suffer from cataracts, making them an extremely common cause of vision loss, particularly among older Americans. Cataract surgery restores vision, but most people would rather do all they can to prevent cataracts from forming in the first place.
At Advanced Eye Center in Hialeah, Florida, Rodrigo Belalcazar MD, PLLC, provides state-of-the-art cataract treatment, evaluating every patient for risk factors that make cataracts more likely. Here, learn whether cataracts can be prevented and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing cataracts as you age.
Cataracts occur when your eye’s natural lens clouds up, causing problems with your vision. Located behind your iris and pupil, your lens is normally clear, allowing light to enter your eye and reach the light-sensitive retina in the back of your eye.
A cataract happens when proteins in your lens change, breaking down and clumping together to cause the characteristic clouding.
Although the exact cause of this change is unknown, researchers do know it becomes a lot more common with aging. In fact, about half of people aged 80 and older have had at least one cataract. Eye injuries and eye surgery can also lead to cataract formation as can long-term use of certain types of medication.
Cataracts may develop in one or both eyes, and they tend to worsen over time. Without treatment, your vision gets blurrier, and it can be much harder to see clearly in low-light conditions. Nighttime driving becomes problematic, and you may experience glare, halos, and sensitivity to light.
There’s no cure for cataracts, but they can be treated with surgery designed to replace your cloudy lens with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the US, with millions of surgeries done every year.
While cataract surgery is safe and effective, ideally, it’s better to avoid cataracts in the first place. Unfortunately, there’s no simple way to entirely eliminate your risk of developing cataracts, but there are some steps you can take to reduce that risk.
Cataracts are more common among people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, follow your diabetes management plan closely and have a comprehensive eye exam every year.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation may increase your risk of developing cataracts as you age. When outside, wear sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays, and consider wearing a hat with a wide brim whenever you’re in very sunny environments.
Eye trauma is a potential cause of cataracts. Wear protective eyewear whenever you’re playing sports or engaging in any activity where your eyes could be injured.
Most people know smoking can damage your heart and lungs, but it can damage your eyes too. If you smoke, visit Smokefree.gov to learn how to quit successfully.
Skip refined carbs and sugars that promote inflammation, and opt for a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Ask Dr. Belalcazar if he recommends vitamins designed to protect your vision.
Cataracts may not be completely avoidable, but regular eye appointments can help you manage your risks and preserve your healthy vision. To learn more about cataract prevention and surgery to restore clear vision, call 305-707-6011 or book an appointment online with Dr. Belalcazar and our team at Advanced Eye Center today.
