Cataract eyes occur because the lenses in the eyes that are supposed to be clear, turn cloudy. When this happens, a person’s vision becomes impaired. Cataract sufferers can have difficulty seeing, reading, crossing the road, or driving a vehicle.
Most cataracts occur as a result of aging or injury that changes the lens tissue of the eye. Cataracts can also occur due to genetic disorders, diabetes, repeated exposure to the sun, and long-term use of corticosteroids.
As we get older, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, less transparent, and thicker. Clarity of the lens of the eye can be reduced because of the accumulation of protein in the lens of the eye due to the aging process. Cataracts that are formed will block the light entering the lens. As a result, your vision becomes blurred.
Ways to Prevent Cataract Eyes
Some of the ways below can help prevent cataracts, especially for those of you who have a family with a history of cataracts, namely:
Check eye condition regularly
Protect eyes from UV exposure
Maintain general body health
Adjust your diet
Maintain ideal body weight
Stop smoking right now
Reduce consumption of alcoholic drinks
If you regularly check your eye health, your doctor will quickly detect if there are signs of cataracts. Cataracts that are still in the early stages can be more easily treated and treated by ophthalmologists.
Adults are advised to check their eyes to the doctor every two years until the age of 50 years. Over the age of 50 years, you are advised to check it twice a year. Meanwhile, for people with a history of diabetes who are more at risk of developing eye disease, it is advisable to check the condition of the eye more often.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light in the eye can increase the risk of developing cataracts, as well as making cataracts that have been experienced worse. This is because ultraviolet (UV) light can damage the protein in the lens of the eye. Avoid the eyes from direct sunlight by using sunglasses or wide hats, especially when you are active in the hot sun. Choose sunglasses that can block 100% of UV rays and are wide in size, so maximum protection is obtained.
You are advised to always maintain and monitor your health, because there are several diseases that can increase your risk of developing cataracts. For example diabetes, an unhealthy eye condition, and complications from eye surgeries. You should also be careful about long-term use of corticosteroids, because they can increase your risk of developing cataracts.
Choose nutritious foods that contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants. In addition to making the body healthy, this food intake can maintain weight while reducing the risk of cataracts. Nutritious foods that are good for the eyes such as whole grains, as well as light colored vegetables and fruits. For example spinach, broccoli, paprika, and beans.
Research shows that consumption of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and lutein, has a significant effect in reducing the risk of cataract formation. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to long-term oxidation. Vitamin C and lutein are known to stop oxidation in the lens of the eye. Natural sources of vitamin C include oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, melons, and kiwi.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. The way you can do is to maintain a good diet and balanced nutrition, balanced with regular exercise, such as swimming, running, or just walking lightly around the neighborhood in the morning.
Smoking can increase the risk of cataracts. Smoking creates more free radicals in your eyes. To reduce the risk of cataracts, it is recommended to reduce or stop smoking. If you feel this effort is so heavy, try to consult a doctor.
If you are a fan of liquor, you should reduce or stop the habit of consuming alcohol altogether. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cataracts.
In the initial stages, cataracts are usually not too annoying. But if the longer it is left, you will feel even more uncomfortable and even have trouble seeing. Therefore, do ways to prevent the risk of cataracts as described above in order to get a healthy eye to old age. If there is visual impairment, do not hesitate to consult an eye specialist.