Can cataracts be prevented?

The short answer to the title of this article is possibly.  While there is no scientific proof that you can prevent cataracts, there are steps you can do to help reduce your risk factors. 

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are a clouding of the normal clear lens of the eye.  The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil.  When we look at something, light rays travel into our eyes through the pupil and are focused through the lens onto the retina, a layer of light sensitive cells at the back of the eye.  In order to focus light properly onto the retina, the lens must be clear.  If the lens becomes cloudy, this is called a cataract.

Cataracts can threaten vision in anyone, particularly over the age of 40. It is the main cause of blindness around the world and occurs in greater numbers than glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined.  In the United States more than 22 million Americans are affected by cataracts with the number expected to rise to 30 million by 2020. By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans have cataracts.

 Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the U. S. with a very high success rate - nine out of ten people regain very good vision somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40.

Signs and symptoms of cataracts

In the beginning when the cataract is developing, you may not notice any changes in your vision.  Once it begins to progress, you will find it interfering with daily activities.  At first, you may notice your vision is a little blurred or cloudy and that things you see are not as bright or colorful as they used to be.  Many people describe their vision with cataracts similar to looking through a dirty car windshield or viewing an impressionist painting.   Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes.

Other signs of cataracts can be when outdoors, the sun or an indoor lamp seem too bright or glaring.  Night driving can be affected as oncoming headlights causing more glare than before. 

Depending on what type of cataract you have will determine what signs and symptoms you may experience.  Once you notice any vision changes occurring, see an eye doctor or optometrist for an exam for a definitive answer.

Causes of cataracts

The lens of our eyes is very important to keep healthy.  Just like a camera lens, our eyes’ lens focuses light onto the retina for clear vision.  Our lens are made of water and protein and it’s the protein, arranged in a precise manner, that keeps the lens clear letting light pass through it. 

Aging brings about changes to where some proteins may clump together clouding a small area of the lens forming a cataract.  With time, the cataract can grow larger clouding more of the lens making eyesight more blurry.

It is not known exactly what causes the development of cataracts as we age but here are some risk factors associated with their development:

·      Diabetes

·      Obesity

·      Smoking

·      Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight

·      Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications

·      Statin medications used to reduce cholesterol

·      Previous eye injury, inflammation or surgery

·      Hormone replacement therapy

·      Alcoholism

·      High myopia

·      Family history

·      Oxidative changes in the lens

Preventing cataracts

There is no conclusive prevention or studies showing prevention of cataracts but there are things we can do to protect our eyes from this common eye condition. 

·      Consuming a high dietary intake of the antioxidant vitamin E - Food sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, Swiss chard, spinach, turnip greens, kale, hazelnuts, pine nuts, avocado, broccoli, papaya and olives.

·      Consume food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin – Foods containing the antioxidants of lutein and zeaxanthin or supplements with them have shown to be a possible way to lower the risk of cataracts.  Food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include spinach, kale, Swiss chard and other leafy green vegetables.

·      Think vitamin C - Rich sources of vitamin C may also protect eyes from cataracts.  These include all berries, oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.

·      Wear protective sunglasses – Years of chronic sunlight exposure could increase your risk of cataracts.  Wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses that block 100 percent of the sun’s UV rays, particularly ultraviolet B (UVB), can help reduce this risk.  

·      Have yearly eye exams – Even if your vision is clear and healthy. Routine visits allow your eye care professional to look for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other vision disorder.  Early detection may save your sight.

·      Quit smoking or better yet, never start – Smoking affects eye health and can double your chances of developing cataracts with the risk increasing based on how much you smoke. 

·      Reduce alcohol use – Enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails in moderation.  Like cigarettes, excess alcohol consumption can pose a number of health risks, including an increased chance of developing cataracts.

·      Keep diabetes under control – Data suggests that those with diabetes are at a greater risk for developing cataracts.  That’s why maintaining healthy blood glucose is so important – both your overall health and the health of your vision.

·      Avoid using corticosteroid medications for any length of time – Long-term use of oral steroids is a well-known cause of cataracts.  Studies are conflicting over whether inhaled and nasal-spray steroids increase the risk.  Always ask your doctor about risk factors when starting a new drug regimen.