Preventing cataracts is increasingly calling for urgent conversation. Eye care providers need to discuss this with their patients, hence the need for the conversation. Cataracts, or the clouding of the eye lens, usually start to cause visual impairment after age 60. However, the average age is steadily decreasing. Prevent vision loss and maintain eye health using the following tips.

Regular Eye Exams

Going to your eye doctor for regular eye exams may not directly prevent you from getting cataracts. However, it will keep you aware of any early signs or symptoms of cataracts. You will also learn the measures you need to take to mitigate or manage them.

In case you develop cataracts, keep up with your regular eye exam appointments. It will ensure that your eye doctor can screen for other conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. These may require treatment, which cataracts may complicate.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet ensures your body is healthy. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants that can help prevent cataracts. They also help slow its progression. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are abundant in citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, and strawberries. Ensure you have an abundance of these on your plate.

Quit Smoking

You may know that smoking harms your health, especially your lungs and heart. However, it also affects your eyes. The good news is that you can control it. Smoking creates harmful chemicals or free radicals that damage the cells in your eyes. They destroy all the good chemicals and produce toxins that help the development of cataracts.

Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables help fight the free radicals smoking creates. Kicking the habit will help you prevent cataracts over time. You can consult with your eye doctor or primary care doctor if you need help to quit.

Limit Alcohol

Overindulgence in alcohol harms your health and can increase your chances of developing cataracts. According to research, the ideal standard is to take less than two standard-size drinks in a day. Drinking more than 20 grams of alcohol raises your odds of developing cataracts.

Manage Health Problems

Health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes can contribute to the development of cataracts. So, keep your blood pressure and blood sugar in check. Otherwise, increased levels can cause eye damage.

Take your medication and ensure you regularly check your pressure and glucose levels. Get in touch with your eye doctor or primary care doctor immediately after you notice changes. They can change or intensify your medication.

Protect Your Eyes

It may seem obvious, but you should also ensure you protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. UVA and UVB rays can harm your eyes and cause cataracts to develop. It is crucial to use protective sunglasses when going out in the sun. You can also get clear eyeglasses with a UV-blocking coating.

Ensure they give at least 99 to 100 percent protection. Sunglasses are good because they give you some extra protection from visible light. At least 75 percent is ideal. Make sure your glasses fit the frame of your face for maximum protection.

For more on cataract prevention, call Clarity Vision in Smithfield at (919) 737-7200 to discuss any questions about cataract prevention.