Schedule an Appointment
Does My Diet Affect Whether I’ll Get Cataracts?
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in Cataracts
Are you looking for ways to keep your eyes healthy? Are you worried about the possibility of developing cataracts?
Like many eye conditions, cataracts are extremely common due to aging. By the age of 80, half of most people will have or had cataracts.
While they are common, it is always important to think about how the things you eat impact your health. Keep reading to learn more about cataracts and to find out if your diet affects if you’ll get cataracts!
What is a Cataract?
Normally, the lens in the eye is clear. When you have cataracts, the lens becomes cloudy or foggy, making it harder to see through.
This is one of the most common signs of having a cataract. When you have cataracts, it can be like looking through a foggy window. With cataracts, you can experience a range of symptoms and problems tied to them.
Can I Prevent Cataracts?
No, unfortunately, there is no way that anyone can 100% guarantee they will never develop cataracts. Although you can’t guarantee that you’ll never develop them, there are some things you can do to reduce your chance of developing them earlier.
Some of the potential things to try include the following:
- Wearing sunglasses when you are outdoors
- Stop smoking if you’re a smoker
- If you have other health problems, make sure to keep them under control
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Get frequent eye exams
Also, it is important to remember that everyone has a chance of developing cataracts. There is no guarantee that even if you follow these recommendations that you won’t still develop them.
If you have other medical conditions, like diabetes, managing it will keep your eyes healthy. Finally, it is important to know that following these guidelines may only help you delay cataracts from developing.
What Foods Can I Eat To Delay Cataract Development?
Having a healthy diet helps with both mental and physical health. Eating well rounded meals (fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, etc.) also help you delay cataract formation.
There is a connection between eating a healthy diet and not developing cataracts early on. Some foods that are beneficial to eat include foods high in antioxidants because they help with eye health.
Remember, everything you eat has nutrients, so it is important to select foods that are nutritious and good for your body. If you cannot eat certain nutritious foods, another great option is taking vitamins.
Make sure that you have enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Omega-3s have many benefits for your health, but they are connected to good heart and eye health too.
They can help decrease the chances of developing certain eye conditions early on, like cataracts. While your diet cannot guarantee that you will never develop cataracts, it can help you keep your eyes and the rest of your body as healthy as possible.
Are you concerned about cataracts? It may be time to think about a cataract screening. Schedule yours at Georgia Eye Associates in Atlanta, GA, now!
Tags: Cataract Surgery Buckhead, Cataracts Atlanta, Cataracts Buckhead
