Can a Healthy Diet Prevent Cataracts?
May 12, 2022
Cataracts are a condition where the lens inside the eye becomes clouded, causing problems with your vision. Traditional treatment for cataracts has been the removal of the clouded lens followed by the insertion of a new lens that allows for clearer vision. In the last few years, however, a number of studies have taken place that have looked at the link between nutrition and the development of cataracts. Here’s what to know about nutrition and how it may help prevent cataracts later in life.
Lifestyle and Cataracts
As with most types of medical conditions, there are many different factors that can contribute to the development of cataracts. This means that making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce your chances of developing cataracts later on. These include the following:
- Not smoking
- Wearing sunglasses
- Eating a healthy diet
This may sound like simple advice we should all follow, but it’s only in the last few years that researchers have been developing their models to help understand the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on cataracts.
What to Eat
One of the most important things to consider is what to eat. If you’re hoping to reduce your risk of developing cataracts, you should try to eat a healthy diet filled with vegetables and fruits of all varieties as they are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are very important in preventing damage from free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause things like premature aging and macular degeneration over time. Leafy green vegetables are a good choice for antioxidants, but vitamin E should be taken as a supplement because it’s not found in large amounts in food. Recent studies have shown a link between Vitamins C and E and a decreased likelihood of developing cataracts as you age.
Schedule an Appointment
Preventing cataracts can require the help of your ophthalmologist. To meet with Dr. Nguyen and discuss your best options, we invite you to contact our Falls Church, VA office by calling or filling out our online form.
