Strategies to avoid or delay your cataract

Strategies to avoid or delay your cataract

Cataracts cannot be totally avoided, especially the most frequent variety, age-related cataracts. There are, however, certain things you can take to lower your chances of having cataracts or delaying their progression:

  1. Protect Your Eyes from UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a risk factor for cataracts. To reduce this risk, wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you're outdoors, even on cloudy days.
  1. Quit Smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of cataracts. If you smoke, quitting can help reduce your risk of cataracts and offer numerous other health benefits.
  1. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to cataracts. Limit your alcohol intake to reduce this risk.
  1. Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, it's crucial to manage your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can contribute to cataract formation. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for diabetes management.
  1. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may help protect your eyes. Foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to cataracts.
  1. Regular Eye Exams: Routine eye exams can help detect cataracts and other eye conditions early. Early detection allows for timely treatment and better outcomes.
  1. Stress Management: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate eye issues, increasing your chances of acquiring cataracts. Long work days and looking at a screen, for example, can cause dry eyes, diminishing lubrication and raising inflammation, exacerbating cataracts. 
  1. Control Other Health Conditions: Conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and obesity can increase the risk of cataracts. Managing these conditions through a healthy lifestyle and medical treatment as necessary can be beneficial.


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