Simple Tips to Lower Your Risk for Cataracts

You have a natural lens inside of your eyes. When the lens is clear, it is easy to see through. If you develop cataracts, though, the lens will become cloudy, making things look hazy and blurry.

You can reduce your chances of getting cataracts by following a few tips. These simple lifestyle changes will keep your eyes healthy, even as you age.

Eat Right

You always hear that you need to eat your vegetables, and it really is true. Eating the right foods in the first step in maintaining your health. That includes your eye health. Eat a diet rich in yellow and dark-green leafy vegetables so you can take in lots of lutein and zeaxanthin. You also need to load up on vitamins A and C. These antioxidants and vitamins do a great job of preventing cataracts. The foods taste good, too.

Put Down Your Vices

Do you like to have a few cigarettes during the day or imbibe in alcohol on a regular basis? If you answered “yes,” you are setting yourself up to get cataracts. Smokers have twice the risk of developing cataracts, and heavy drinkers also increase their risk. Put the vices down and pick up a healthy hobby, such as exercising or playing sports. You will be much healthier, from your eyeballs all the way down to your feet.

Get Some Sun…But Not Too Much

Excessive sunlight exposure can lead to cataracts, regardless of your age. With that in mind, you might want to wear sunglasses all the time. That is also a problem. Light nourishes your eyes, so if you block off all of the UV rays, your eyes won’t be very healthy. Find a healthy balance by wearing a wide-brimmed hat if you’re going to be out in the sun for long periods of time. Your eyes will still get some light, but you won’t have to squint to see.

Keep Your Blood Sugar at a Healthy Level

Diabetes creates a broad range of health issues, including cataracts. You can avoid this problem by keeping your blood sugar under control. Take your prescribed medications and eat the right foods. That way, your blood sugar will be in check and your eyes will stay healthy. Then, you won’t have to worry about scheduling cataract surgery in the near future.

Get Active

New research shows that physical activity might reduce the risk of developing cataracts. The key is to engage in regular physical activity. Don’t just go through bursts of exercising. Develop a routine and follow it every day. You will look and feel better, and you will cut down on your risk of developing eye problems.

Along with following these tips, you need to keep regularly scheduled eye appointments. Our clinic serves patients in the Glendale and Scottsdale areas, and our professionals are trained to detect cataracts early. Let us examine your eyes to make sure you don’t have early stage cataracts, glaucoma, or another issue. With our help, the world will always look bright.