Taking care of your vision health is one of the most important aspects of people’s lives. Vision is one of our most useful senses and the one we rely on the most, but we are often unaware of it. There are several diseases that can affect the health of this important organ of the body. Some of these can be avoided and prevented with regular checkups and proper care, but others such as cataracts 1can occur due to age, trauma, the effects of sun exposure or medications.
WHY DO CATARACTS OCCUR?
The crystalline lens functions in the eye is much similar to a camera lens, focusing light on the retina to provide clear vision.
The lens is composed primarily of proteins and water. The proteins follow a very precise order that keeps the lens smooth and allows light to pass through.
The most common cause of cataract development is aging, but there are other important causes, such as trauma, certain medications and disease. As we age, certain proteins in the lens can clump together, causing small areas of the lens to become cloudy. This process is called cataract and can progress over time, clouding more areas of the lens and gradually reducing the quality of vision.
FACTORS THAT INTERFERE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF CATARACTS
There are several factors that can cause cataracts or have some connection to cataract development. In addition to advanced age, risk factors for developing cataracts include:
- hypertension
- obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking and high alcohol consumption: Both alcohol and tobacco have been shown to be detrimental to our health in general and to our eyesight in particular. Their regular consumption damages our cells, impairs the proper functioning of the body and accelerates aging.
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids: Some studies have observed that people over 50 have a higher risk of developing cataracts if they take this type of drugs for more than a year. Therefore, if the doctor determines that it is not absolutely necessary, alternative pharmacological treatments, such as psychotherapy, may be used.
- Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and other light sources: It has been shown that exposure to sunlight, especially UV-B rays, can cause this disease. Therefore, it is recommended to wear dark glasses from a young age. This is the only way to reduce the risk of development in older adults.
- eye injury: Trauma can cause the lens tissue to swell and turn white, and the color may remain even after the swelling has subsided. More severe damage can also damage the capsule containing the lens, allowing fluid to enter and causing the opacity that blocks light coming from the outside.
- Eye surgery.
HOW TO DELAY THE ONSET OF CATARACTS?
Since cataracts are a natural part of aging, most people will experience them at some point in their lives. However, the onset of cataracts can be delayed by a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables can help prevent certain types of cataracts.
Another aspect to consider to reduce the risk of cataracts is to wear sunglasses that block the sun’s UV rays.
Here are 6 tips that help maintain good eye health and may help delay cataracts:
- Go for regular checkups. This is the only way to detect cataracts early.
- Exercise frequently: Exercise regularly. Moderate exercise and brisk walking have been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts. Surgery is the only effective treatment. This technique consists of removing the opaque lens. It is performed by ultrasound and a small 3 millimeter incision is made above the eye. The cataract is then removed and an intraocular lens is inserted through the same wound to replace the opaque lens. The wound is so small that it does not require stitches, but some doctors may use stitches to make it safer. Cataracts cannot be seen with the naked eye, so it is important to check them periodically. If you are over 40, it is very important to have frequent eye exams by an ophthalmologist.
- Protect your eyes from the sun. UV rays can cause cataracts and UVB rays can also cause macular degeneration.
- Avoid smoking and drinking. Smoking and alcohol make it difficult for the body to recover from damage. Smoking releases free radicals in the body, which makes it difficult for the body to recover from damage. The more free radicals in the body, the more damage they cause to cells, leading to the development of cataracts. Also, avoid drinking more than one alcoholic beverage a day.
- Consume vitamin C and E. Contains antioxidants. Vitamin E improves eye health and prevents the development of cataracts. Medical research recommends getting vitamin C through food rather than supplements. Vitamin C also contains antioxidants that protect the eyes from UV damage. Get your vitamins through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables of various colors.
- Studies have shown that eating these dark green vegetables can help prevent cataracts because they contain antioxidants. Antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin (both naturally present in the retina and lens) have been shown to prevent cataract formation and absorb intense light and ultraviolet light.
- Keep a distance of at least 30 cm from computer and television screens.
- In conclusion, the key to preventing cataracts is, above all, to make small dietary changes, including: For example, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising, wearing sunglasses when leaving the house, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding habits that are detrimental to visual and overall health.
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