What Exactly is a Cataract?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear and transparent eye lens becomes cloudy due to the build-up of natural proteins in the eyes. A cataract is “a progressive, painless clouding of the natural, internal lens of the eye.” A typically slow and gradual process, you can live with cataracts for years before they begin to seriously affect your daily life. Cataracts decrease the amount of light that can be focused on the retina at the back of the eye, and as the cataract grows bigger and more opaque, vision will become impaired, making it difficult to perform routine tasks. Impaired vision due to cataracts usually manifests as things appearing blurry, hazy, or lacking vivid color. 

Cataracts are part of the normal aging process, but they can also occur in younger people, due to hereditary reasons, disease, injury, or a birth defect. Over an extended period of time, cataracts can cause blindness. No studies have proved how to prevent cataracts or slow the progression of cataracts. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the following strategies may be helpful:

Have regular eye examinations. 

Eye examinations can help detect cataracts and other eye problems at their earliest stages. Ask your doctor how often you should have an eye examination.

Quit smoking and reduce alcohol use. 

Ask your doctor for suggestions about how to stop smoking. Medications, counseling and other strategies are available to help you. Excessive alcohol use can also increase the risk of cataracts, so seek help if necessary to reduce alcohol use.

Manage other health problems. 

Follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can increase your risk of cataracts.

Choose a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

Adding a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet ensures that you're getting many vitamins and nutrients. Fruits and vegetables have many antioxidants, which help maintain the health of your eyes.

Wear sunglasses. 

Ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the development of cataracts. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays when you're outdoors.

For some, the development of cataracts may be inevitable, and some may never get them at all. Regardless of what camp you might fall into, having regular eye examinations is important for your overall eye health. Oxford Family Vision Clinic has served our Oxford families and communities for 30 years. With our experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly staff. we can help you find the right fit for all your eye care needs. Contact us today!

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/ss/slideshow-cataracts

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790