Cataracts are quite common among the aging population and are the top cause of blindness among Americans. Cataracts form when the lens of your eyes becomes clouded. The eye lens should be transparent as it's the structure that allows light rays to pass onto the retina.
So, if the eye lens becomes clouded, it means that you'll have blurred vision, and if left untreated, you'll become blind. While optometrists can correct eye cataracts through surgery, it's still important that you know how to prevent them. Read on to learn more!
Eat Well
Changing your dietary habits can help you achieve optimal eye health. Your eyes require certain nutrients to remain healthy and functional as well. So, don't expect to have healthy eyes if you aren't eating right.
Ensure that your diet plan contains foods rich in glutathione and antioxidants. These foods include Brussel sprouts, strawberries, avocados, broccoli, spinach, grapefruits, and asparagus. You should also consider consuming foods rich in zeaxanthin and lutein as they can offer protection against cataracts. While it's good to include these high-value foods in your diet, don't forget to exclude sugar-rich foods as they can stimulate cataract growth.
Regularly See an Optometrist
Seeing an optometrist a few times a year can go a long way in preventing cataracts. Remember, cataracts start small and continue to grow with time. Unfortunately, cataracts are hard to diagnose during their early stages. However, eye doctors can spot cataracts at an early stage and put you on treatment right away. At least you'll have a better chance of getting rid of cataracts before they cause blindness.
Stop Smoking
Smoking cigarettes and marijuana are associated with many health conditions, including cataracts. That said, you should stay away from smoking, or else you'll put your eye health at risk. Avoid smoking as it increases the risk of developing cataracts. There are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself happy other than smoking.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated can prevent so many diseases from attacking you. Surprisingly, drinking a lot of water can help prevent the growth of cataracts. Keeping your body hydrated helps eliminate toxins from your body. This way, it will be impossible for the toxins to inflict health problems in your eyes. So, make a habit of taking a few liters of water every day.
Keep Your Eyes Protected
Wearing shades during hot summer days can help you prevent a myriad of eye problems. Keep in mind that not all shades can offer protection. As such, you need to purchase sunglasses that offer protection against UVA and UVB rays. Such glasses will help you minimize the risk of developing cataracts.
If you need an eye doctor, contact services like Cohen's Fashion Optical.
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