Wednesday, August 19th 2026
Some of what you do every day can affect your eye health and how cataracts progress
Cataracts develop slowly, but over time can cause serious vision loss. If you are prone to developing it, certain lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.
Cataracts remain the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. However, what many people do not realize is that the lifestyle we follow every day can significantly affect the development and progression of this disease.
Ophthalmologists and eye health experts single out six habits that can help preserve vision and reduce the risk of developing cataracts in old age.
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision, greater sensitivity to glare. and, in advanced cases, significant vision loss if left untreated.
Although age is the most common risk factor, cataract development is also affected by daily habits and, in some cases, its progression can be slowed.
Dr. Mandeep Singh Basu, director of the Dr. Basu Eye Care Center, has outlined some ways that can help slow the progression of cataracts naturally, Telegraph reports.
One of the most common risk factors for developing cataracts is prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
One of the best ways to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses that block 100 percent. of UVA and UVB rays every time you go outside, regardless of the weather.
Wide-brimmed hats can provide additional protection by reducing the amount of sunlight that hits your eyes directly.
What you eat can have a significant impact on your eye health. According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, foods rich in antioxidants, such as green leafy vegetables, spinach and kale, as well as brightly colored fruits, such as oranges and mangoes, can help protect the eyes.
Foods rich in vitamins C and E help neutralize free radicals, which can damage the lens of the eye. Fish such as salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which also contribute to eye health.
According to the World Health Organization, smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers.
Smoking introduces toxic compounds into the bloodstream, lowers the level of antioxidants in the eye, and accelerates oxidative damage to the lens.
Quitting Quitting smoking, regardless of age, is one of the most important decisions you can make for your eye health.
Chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, are associated with a higher risk of developing cataracts. For example, high blood sugar can accelerate the clouding of the lens.
Prescribed medications, healthy eating, and regular physical activity can help keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control, helping to protect the eyes and slow the development of cataracts.
Alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of developing cataracts. Alcohol lowers the level of some important nutrients in the body and increases oxidative stress in the lens of the eye.
Perhaps one of the most important measures is regular check-ups at the ophthalmologist. Early signs of cataracts, but also of other eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, can be detected before significant symptoms appear.
If the problem is detected in time, treatment can be started earlier and the results can be better.
Adults over 40 should have their eyes checked regularly, at least every two years, while after the age of 60 it is recommended to check once a year. year.
Source: prizrenpost
