How to Prevent Cataracts
How to prevent cataracts? Cataracts occur because the lens in the eye, which should be clear, turns cloudy. The clarity of the eye lens can be reduced due to the accumulation of protein in the eye lens due to the aging process. Apart from the aging process, cataracts can also occur due to genetic disorders, diabetes, Exposure to UV rays from the sun to the eyes and long-term use of corticosteroids. The cataract that forms will block the light entering the lens. As a result, vision will become blurred and cataract sufferers will have difficulty seeing, reading, crossing the road, or driving a vehicle.
How to prevent cataracts
There are several ways you can prevent cataracts. The ways to prevent cataracts are as follows:
1. Eat nutritious foods
How to prevent cataracts naturally can be by consuming nutritious foods that contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants. Besides being able to nourish the body, intake of these foods can maintain body weight while reducing the risk of cataracts. The nutritious foods that are good for the eyes include whole grains, vegetables and bright fruits. Examples include beans, spinach, broccoli, and peppers.
Research states that taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C and lutein, has a significant impact on reducing the risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts can occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to long-term oxidation. Vitamin C and lutein are believed to stop oxidation of the lens in the eye. Natural sources of vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, melons, kiwi, tomatoes, and broccoli.
2. Maintain a healthy body
How to prevent cataracts in humans can always maintain and monitor the health of the body, because there are several diseases that can increase the risk of developing cataracts in the eye. For example, namely diabetes, unhealthy eye conditions, and complications from eye surgeries that have been undergone. You should also be careful with long-term use of corticosteroids, because they can increase your risk of developing cataracts.
3. Maintain ideal body weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is a risk factor for cataracts. The way you can do this is by maintaining a good diet and balanced nutrition. Besides that, it is also balanced with regular exercise, such as running, swimming, or just taking a leisurely walk around the environment where you live in the morning.
4. Check eye conditions regularly
How to prevent cataracts from getting worse? You can routinely check eye health with an ophthalmologist so that it can be detected more quickly when signs of cataracts appear. Cataracts that are still in their early stages can be easier for an ophthalmologist to treat.
It is recommended for adults to have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist every two years until the age of 50. Meanwhile, people over 50 years of age are advised to see an ophthalmologist twice a year. Then for people with a history of diabetes who are more at risk of developing eye disease, it is advisable to have more eye conditions checked by an ophthalmologist.
5. Protects the eyes from exposure to ultra violet rays
Exposure to ultraviolet light in the eye can increase the risk of developing cataracts, but it can also worsen cataracts that have been previously experienced. This is because ultraviolet rays can damage the proteins in the lens of the eye. Then how to prevent cataracts from worsening? You can avoid direct sun exposure to the eyes during the day by wearing sunglasses or a hat.
6. Stop smoking right now
Smoking habits can increase the risk of developing cataracts. That's because smoking can create more free radicals in the eyes. Then how to prevent cataracts from growing? Can reduce or stop smoking. If this effort feels so heavy, try to consult an ophthalmologist.
7. Reduce or stop drinking alcoholic beverages
You should reduce or stop drinking alcoholic beverages. This is because drinking excessive alcohol can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Usually in the early stages cataracts are not too annoying. But if allowed to take longer it will make you feel uncomfortable and can even experience vision problems. Therefore, do how to prevent cataracts from forming as described above. Don't forget to also consult an ophthalmologist so you can get the right treatment.
