Cataracts occur because the lens in the eye, which should be clear, turns cloudy. When this happens, one's vision becomes impaired. People with cataracts can have difficulty seeing, reading, crossing roads, or driving vehicles.
Most cataracts occur as a result of aging or an injury that changes the tissue of the eye's lens. Cataracts can also occur due to genetic disorders, diabetes, repeated sun exposure to the eye, and long-term use of corticosteroids.
As we age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, less transparent, and thicker. The clarity of the lens of the eye can be reduced due to the accumulation of protein in the lens of the eye due to the aging process. Cataracts that form will block the light that enters the lens. As a result, your vision becomes blurred.
Method Preventing Cataracts
Some of the ways below can help prevent cataracts, especially for those of you who have a family history of cataracts, namely:
- Check eye condition regularly
Adults are recommended to have their eyes checked by a doctor every two years until the age of 50 years. Over the age of 50, you are advised to have it checked twice a year. Meanwhile, for people with a history of diabetes who are more at risk of developing eye disease, it is advisable to have their eyes checked more often.
- Protects eyes from UV raysExposure to ultraviolet (UV) light in the eyes can increase the risk of developing cataracts, as well as make cataracts that have previously been experienced worse. This is because ultraviolet (UV) light can damage the proteins in the lens of the eye. Avoid direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses or a wide hat, especially when you are active in direct sunlight. Choose sunglasses that can block 100% of UV rays and are wide, so that you get maximum protection.
- Maintain general health
You are advised to always maintain and monitor your body's health, because there are several diseases that can increase the risk of developing cataracts. For example, diabetes, unhealthy eye conditions, and complications from eye surgery that have been undertaken. You should also be careful about long-term use of corticosteroids, because they can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
- Regulating diet
Choose nutritious foods that contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants. In addition to nourishing the body, intake of these foods can maintain weight while reducing the risk of cataracts. Nutritious foods that are good for the eyes include whole grains, as well as brightly colored vegetables and fruits. Examples include spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, and beans.
Research shows that consumption of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and lutein, has a significant impact in reducing the risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to long-term oxidation. Vitamin C and lutein are known to stop oxidation in the lens of the eye. Natural sources of vitamin C include oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, melons, and kiwis.
- Maintain ideal body weightBeing overweight or obese increases the risk of developing diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. What you can do is maintain a good diet and balanced nutrition, balanced with regular exercise, such as swimming, running, or just taking a light walk around the neighborhood in the morning.
- Stop smoking nowSmoking habits can increase the risk of developing cataracts. Smoking creates more free radicals in your eyes. To reduce the risk of cataracts, it is recommended to reduce or stop smoking. If you feel this effort is too heavy, try to consult a doctor.
- Reduce consumption of alcoholic beveragesIf you are a fan of liquor, you should reduce or stop the habit of consuming alcohol altogether. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
In the early stages, cataracts are usually not very bothersome. But if the longer you leave it, you will feel more uncomfortable and even difficult to see. Therefore, take steps to prevent the risk of cataracts as described above in order to get healthy eyes until old age. If you have vision problems, don't hesitate to consult an ophthalmologist.
