What is a cataract? A cataract is the cloudy area in the lens of your eye that helps you focus light. They form when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, causing one’s ability to see to decline. They may cause things to appear blurry, hazy, or discolored. Many receive cataract surgery to have them removed and restore clear vision. Although cataracts usually form with age, there are some factors that may increase your risk for developing them. We will mention three of those factors and how to maintain healthy vision.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
For example, diseases such as diabetes can increase your risk for cataracts. High blood sugar levels can cause structural changes in the eye’s lens and cause them to amass in the lens of the eye more quickly. You can lower your risk for diabetes and early cataract formation by eating a healthy diet. Avoid foods with a high sugar content and a low nutritional value. Exercising and staying active are also important for lowering your risk for diabetes. Health professionals recommend at least 150-300 minutes of physical activity per week.
Long exposures to sunlight can also increase your risk for developing cataracts earlier. Ultraviolet light can damage the proteins in the lens of your eyes and serve as a substitute for oxygen to cause harmful oxidative reactions in the lens. Staring at the sun or bright sunlight can cause extreme eye strain and worsen eyesight in general. It is important to avoid staring directly at bright sunlight and wear protective sunglasses or a hat, especially if you plan to spend extended periods of time in the sun.
Thirdly, tobacco usage and smoking can cause you to be more prone to develop cataracts. Smoking increases the amount of free radicals in your eyes. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced during cell metabolism. When they accumulate in cells, they can damage DNA, lipids, and proteins. The free radicals produced from tobacco usage can damage the lipids and proteins in the eyes and cause matter to develop on the surface of the eye lens, leading to cataract formation. Smoking can also cause dry eye syndrome which can result in blurry vision and an uncomfortable stinging sensation in the eyes. Dry eye syndrome will eventually scar the cornea and lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Source: Acuity Eye Grouphttps://www.acuityeyegroup.com/vision-education/eye-conditions/cataracts
Cataracts can be treated by acquiring a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses during the early stages of development in order to see better. Your doctor may recommend getting them removed surgically as well. The surgery is safe and 90% of people end up being able to see better. While cataracts usually form later in life, they can also be found in young adults and children as well, which is why it is important to take precautions early on. Refer to this link for an article that addresses more common myths about cataracts: https://preventblindness.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/MK08-Cataract-Facts-1.pdf
CentraCare featured a testimonial by Linda C., an author of historical fiction books, who had received cataract surgery and was able to regain 20/20 vision. She had relied on her vision for conducting research and writing. Eventually, however, the cataracts in her eyes hindered her eyesight so much to the point that she was unable to read road signs, menus, and grocery store signs. Taking steps to prevent the early formation of cataracts in your eyes and maintaining good eyesight is crucial as cataracts can seriously interfere with daily life. It can get in the way of performing everyday tasks such as walking, driving, reading, and writing, just like it had with Linda. She says that she realized how eyesight is a gift that must be taken good care of. To read more about her story, click this link: https://www.centracare.com/patient-stories/a-happy-ending-evaluating-lens-options-for-catar/
Written by: Jennica Lee
National Eye Institute. Cataracts, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts. Accessed 14 June 2024.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Cataracts.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research, 28 Sept. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790#:~:text=Most%20cataracts%20develop%20when%20aging,increase%20your%20risk%20of%20cataracts.
Lazarus, Russel. “Does Smoking Affect the Eyes? .” Optometrists.Org, 18 July 2021,
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