If you currently smoke, quit immediately. Modify your diet and include nutrient-dense foods to help maintain the health of your eye and fight the progression of cataracts. Symptoms & causes. Aim to drink at least one cup of either green or black tea daily. Sweet potatoes, apricots, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, winter squash and cantaloupe also contain this nutrient. Antioxidant A cataract may be central (called nuclear), peripheral (on younger fibers near the outer edge of the lens) or sub-capsular (at the very front or very back of the lens). Omega-3s can be found in flax seeds, grass-fed beef, tofu and fatty fish like salmon, cod and sardines; whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal and wheat bread also can help lower risk for cataracts. Cataracts Cataracts - Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis When taking steps to reduce your risk of cataracts, it's important to know that dietary modifications alone aren't enough. Oxidative stress results when there is an imbalance between damaging free radicals roaming the body and the antioxidants that keep them in check. Last Updated: July 1, 2021 How to Prevent Cataracts Naturally - Verywell Health 2023 - Eye Surgery Guide - All Rights Reserved. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Types of cataracts. Symptoms, Causes And Risks By Tamrah Harris Contributor Medically Reviewed Brian DeBroff, M.D., F.A.C.S. The use of certain medications, diabetes, x-ray radiation and exposure to ultraviolet rays are some of the leading factors that favor the formation of cataracts. Diets rich in antioxidants may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. But with time, the lens gradually turns more densely yellow and further clouds your vision. Periodontal treatment includes regular scaling, the removal of bacteria and inflammatory material from beneath the gums. "@type": "Question", Make sure when going out you avoid squinting your eyes from the sun or glare. He is an active member of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, the American Medical Association and other organizations working to improve health and medical care. Can Good Nutrition Prevent Cataracts? - All About Vision Public Health Nutr. Family Vision Center is proud to be a VSP Premier Provider. Dr. Leng is a board certified Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Stanford University. Antioxidants: We need to increase the intake of foods that are rich in antioxidant vitamins because a diet low in antioxidant (i.e. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Some free radicals occur from normal daily metabolism, which means even people who don't have these risk factors need antioxidants found in healthy foods. However, other studies have failed to show an association between nutritional supplements and reduced risk of cataracts. Consumption of fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, also has been linked to potentially reduced risk of cataracts or their progression. While there is no non-surgical cure for cataracts, research has shown that some foods and dietary supplements appear to delay the progression of this sight-threatening eye condition in certain people. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce your risk of developing cataracts and keep your eyes hydrated by supplying essential oils for your tear layer. In some cases, taking too much of a specific vitamin or nutrient could be harmful to your health. "@type": "Answer", Select fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin C for the most benefit. 1 cause of blindness in the world is cataracts, and it is preventable as well as treatable. Free radicals that damage our eyes and the rest of the body may originate from eating unhealthy foods, exposure to pollution or chemicals, smoking and ultraviolet radiation. "@type": "Question", Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight early on. Professional medical organization dedicated to supporting optometrists and improving public eye and vision health, Incorporating Specific Nutrient-Dense Foods to Fight Cataracts, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Help-Fight-Cataracts-Through-Diet-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Help-Fight-Cataracts-Through-Diet-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Help-Fight-Cataracts-Through-Diet-Step-1.jpg\/aid7509667-v4-728px-Help-Fight-Cataracts-Through-Diet-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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