1. Down Through the Ages
One of the many side effects of living a long life is the development of cataracts. Many people over 50 years of age have some form of the cloudy eye condition. Often an optometrist will notice the cataracts forming behind the lens in your annual eye test. The cataracts may remain dormant and not need any treatment, but should be watched for any progression. By watching the progression of the eye disease, you can take steps to prevent its growth.
2. Sweet Sorrow
People who have diabetes are often at risk for cataracts, as well as those who smoke cigarettes, use steroids or take tranquillizers. Working or living in an unhealthy environment also can affect your eyesight. Research continues to identify other drugs that also cause cataracts. Patients have control over many of these environmental causes to prevent the progression of vision loss. In addition to getting regular eye screenings, maintaining a healthy diet and not ingesting harmful chemicals are still the best preventative measures to take.
3. Injury Carryover
An injury to the eye can create conditions right for the sensitive lens to begin to deteriorate. Blunt trauma, exposure to infrared light, electric shock and radiation are all known to cause traumatic cataracts. It is especially important to follow up with an optometrist or ophthalmologist on a regular basis after receiving an eye injury. Cataract removal is relatively painless and risk-free and can restore your vision to nearly perfect.
4. Here Comes the Sun
Exposure to ultraviolet light has been cited as a culprit in the formation of cataracts. This gives you one more reason to wear sunglasses with UV protection. Carry a variety of sunglasses, visors or hats to work in different settings. Hats with large brims can help to shield the destructive rays of the sun. Even if you wear goggles for your outdoor activities, make sure they are coated with a UV protection rating of at least 400.
5. It's in the Genes
Chances are that if your parents had cataracts, you will too. This is yet another area where we inherit the tendencies of our predecessors. When collecting your family medical history, make sure to ask about the incidence of cataracts in your family. Knowing the proclivity in your genes for the eye disease may provide more motivation to refrain from smoking and taking better care of yourself.
