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6 Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Developing Cataracts

Ms. Smitakshi Guha

4 Min Read

Often, we don’t appreciate the gift of ‘vision’ as much as we should. The lenses in our eyes are a spectacular device that is normally clean and focus light on to your retina, which allows you to then see things around you. When one develops a cataract, these same lenses get clouded by spots formed by clumps of proteins, disrupting your vision, making it all dim and blurry.

While some risk factors for cataracts like ageing are beyond our control, there are some factors that we can control. These include lifestyle changes and prevention measures, especially if you have a family history of cataracts.

Here are six ways to reduce your risk of developing cataracts—

Avoid the harmful UV rays from the sun

The ultraviolet B rays of the sun are extremely harmful to your eyes. So, make it a point to wear your sunglasses whenever you’re stepping out of the house in daylight to protect your eyes. In case you’re not too keen about sunglasses or have glasses for vision correction, you can opt for clear glasses with UV protection coating.

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If you smoke, it’s a good time to quit smoking

Consumption of tobacco is linked with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, which can further cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. This can increase your risk of developing a cataract. Hence, it is imperative for you to quit smoking not only for the well-being of your eyes but also for your overall health.

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Manage your other health issues as well

There are certain health problems that can subject one to the risk of developing a cataract. These include chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. In the case of diabetes, it is extremely crucial for you to keep your blood sugar under control because an abnormal spike in glucose level can be quite harmful to your eyes. In the case of hypertension, make sure you’re regularly in touch with your doctor and your blood pressure is under control. By managing these chronic conditions well, you naturally reduce your risk of developing cataracts.

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Avoid alcohol intake as much as possible

Overconsumption of alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts. So, try to reduce your intake of alcohol as much as possible. You can also take the Alcohol Risk Assessment Test to know your health risks and major organ’s health if you’re a heavy or moderate drinker.

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Stay updated about your eye condition

Talk to your eye doctor regularly and visit him/her at timely intervals to know the status of your eyes. While this is not a preventive measure against cataracts, it can certainly help you be aware of what’s going on, at all times. In case you’ve already developed a cataract, these timely checkups would help to keep a track of how severe your cataract is becoming and based on that, the right treatment/surgery plan can be drawn.

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Follow a healthy diet

Make sure you consume a healthy and balanced diet that includes a lot of greens and reds in the form of fruits and vegetables. Studies suggest that antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining good vision, fruits and vegetables have these nutrients in abundance. Make sure you don’t have any vitamin deficiency and that your diet is rich in both vitamins and minerals. For a customized diet plan, you can also consult experienced clinical dietitians online on MFine.

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In a nutshell, just like your lifestyle significantly contributes to your overall health, it also impacts your vision. So, follow a healthy lifestyle and you will do your health a big favour. In case you’ve any eye-related issues, you can always speak to experienced ophthalmologists online on MFine Ab #HarGharMeinDoctor