A cataract is a type of vision problem. When a person gets cataracts, the colored parts of their eye (pupil and iris) will turn a grayish color, as though they have fogged over. This can make it difficult to see through the eye. This can impact all parts of the vision, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even night vision.
People may only have a cataract in one eye, or they may have it in both eyes. Much of the time, a person will usually end up having a surgery to fix the issue. Not to worry-the surgery has been used for decades and is totally safe.
# Quit SmokingSmoking can increase your risk of getting cataracts. In fact, smoking increases the risk for getting numerous diseases and ailments, from everything to a sore throat to lung cancer. It is best to quit smoking as soon as possible to reduce your risk of getting cataracts. If you do not smoke, don’t begin. It’s also best to stay away from people who are smoking, as second-hand smoke can also increase the risk of getting cataracts.
# Wear SunglassesOne way to protect your eyes from damage is to wear sunglasses. UV-rays from the sun can damage your skin and eyes. It is these rays that can cause both sunburn and skin cancer. Simply by wearing sunglasses, you can help to protect your eyes and prevent cataracts.
# Alcohol in ModerationDrinking too much alcohol is known to damage the liver, but did you know it can damage other body parts as well? The eyes can be put at risk for cataracts when a person drinks too much. To avoid this, men should limit themselves to a maximum of two drinks a day and women should limit themselves to one drink a day.
# Lower Blood SugarHaving high blood sugar or diabetes can increase the risk of having cataracts later in life. There are several basic things you can do to keep your blood sugar levels where they should be. Having a healthy diet, consisting mostly of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, can do wonders. Exercise is also important to stay healthy. To learn more about how to lower high blood sugar levels, read our article 24 Home Remedies for High Blood Sugar.
# Lower Blood PressureMuch like high blood sugar levels, having high blood pressure levels can also increase your risk for cataracts. High blood pressure can be lowered in the same way as high blood sugar levels. Eat right and exercise and you are sure to have healthy blood pressure levels. To learn more about lowering high blood pressure levels, read our article 40 Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure.
# Maintain a Healthy WeightPeople who are overweight and obese are at a higher risk of getting cataracts than people who are at a healthy weight. Like lowering high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, the best ways to combat being overweight is with a routine of exercise and keeping to a healthy diet.
# Dark Leafy Green VegetablesAdding dark leafy green vegetables, like kale, spinach, and Brussels can help to prevent cataracts. This is because they contain high levels of lutein, which it can help to keep the eyes healthy. Take in more leafy green vegetables often to keep your eyes healthy.
# Omega-3Omega-3s are a type of naturally-occurring fatty acid that can help to keep the eyes healthy. There are various ways to take in more of this healthy fatty acid. Omega-3 supplements can be taken, or the fatty acid can be taken in my eating foods like fish, other seafood, seeds, and nuts.
# AntioxidantsAntioxidants help to fight off free radicals. Free radicals attack the cells in the body. They can cause a variety of ailments, from a cold to cancer. Some foods that contain high levels of antioxidants include berries, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Add more of these foods into your diet to protect yourself from free radicals.
# Beta-CaroteneBeta-carotene is another ingredient found naturally in foods that can help to keep the eyes healthy and strong. Like omega-3, beta-carotene can be taken in through supplements or by eating certain foods. Some foods that are high in beta-carotene include squash, gourds, carrot, potatoes, dark leafy greens, cantaloupe, and stone fruit.
# SeleniumSelenium is a naturally occurring mineral that also works to prevent cataracts. Like many of the other ingredients in this article, selenium can be taken in through supplements or by eating certain foods. Some foods that are rich in selenium include eggs, poultry, seeds, brown rice, meat, cheese, seafood, and lentils.
# Vitamin CVitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for the human body to take in. This helpful little vitamin can help to both boosts the immune system and prevent cataracts. While there are vitamin C supplements available, it is extremely easy to find vitamin C from food sources. It can be found in most fruits! Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, are especially high in vitamin C.