Tips to Prevent Cataracts

/0 Comments/in /by

Contrary to popular belief, cataracts are not an unavoidable part of the aging process. Although most people know of at least one other person with cataracts, this condition can be prevented. The key is to start protecting the eyes from a young age and then be consistent with those prevention strategies. If you or a loved one would like to avoid getting cataracts in North Syracuse, NY, read on to learn tips on possible ways to prevent them.

Reducing the Risk of Developing Cataracts

Everyone has a certain risk of developing cataracts, but as stated, that doesn’t mean that everyone will go on to develop this eye condition. With certain lifestyle adjustments, a person may reduce their chances of getting cataracts later in life. These lifestyle adjustments include:

  • Managing underlying health conditions such as diabetes
  • Getting at least moderate exercise regularly
  • Limiting sugar intake, including foods and beverages
  • Making water your main beverage of choice
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding smoking
  • Avoiding alternative tobacco intake
  • Minimizing exposure to UV rays
  • Minimizing exposure to blue light
  • Wearing sunglasses outdoors year-round
  • Minimizing or eliminating alcohol intake

Types of Cataracts

There are various types of cataracts to be aware of, even as you strive to avoid developing them in the first place:

Congenital cataracts – Present at birth or developing early in childhood, often affecting both eyes.

Trauma-related cataracts – Arising from eye injuries or surgeries, necessitating specialized care and treatment.

Secondary cataracts – Linked to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or prolonged steroid use, highlighting the importance of disease management.

Age-related cataracts – Develop without a specific cause but are associated with risk factors such as aging, emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and intervention.

Although researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of cataracts, they understand that the condition arises from protein accumulation on the eye’s lens. This buildup interferes with the passage of light into the eye, resulting in blurred or cloudy vision and, ultimately, vision loss.

Early symptoms of cataracts may be subtle at first, making regular eye exams essential for timely detection and treatment. Contact oureye care experts in North Syracuse, NY, to schedule a comprehensive cataract evaluation and safeguard your vision health for the future.

What Causes Cataracts?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Cataracts are a type of physical condition in the eyes that causes cloudy vision. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to complete blindness. Cataracts form when the cells that form tissue in the lens membrane of the eye overproduces tissue. Cataracts can be removed by a professional eye doctor. If you worry about developing cataracts, here are some important facts to know.

Signs of Cataracts

Cataracts don’t go away on their own; they only grow thicker and larger. It’s important to have your cataracts removed as soon as possible. To do that, you should know the common signs of cataracts. These include:

  • cloudy vision
  • blurred vision
  • increased difficulty seeing at night
  • spotty blurred vision
  • increased glare from oncoming headlamps at night

If you notice one or more of these common signs, consult with your eye doctor.

What Causes Cataracts?

Many people develop cataracts as they get older, although it is not necessarily something that everyone gets. There are elderly people who have never gotten cataracts. Cataracts is not a disease, but cataracts can be a symptom of a disease. Cataracts are formed because the eye lens’ ability to restore itself becomes compromised. This damage can occur because of many things, including eye trauma, radiation, genetics, disease, old age or malnutrition. Of all the possible factors to cause damage, old age and genetic diseases are the only non-preventable factors.

Trauma

Trauma, such as blunt force to the eyes, can cause the inner fibers of the eye lens to swell and grow and impair the eye’s ability to recover. This sometimes leads to cataract growth. To prevent eye trauma, wear protective eyewear when playing impact sports

Radiation

Photo radiation from the sun and blue light from electronic devices are the most common cause of cataracts. Help reduce radiation exposure by wearing sunglasses outdoors and limiting your use of electronic devices.

Disease

Disease and genetics can set in motion a chain of reactions that leads to cataract growth. Many of these diseases have treatments available to reduce the chance of cataract growth.
Cataracts can be successfully removed, even in patients who are elderly. If you suspect you may be developing cataracts, talk to your eye doctor about treatment options.