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Cataracts in the eyes: why they appear and what to do about them to prevent them

Ojos de mujer mayor

Have you ever felt like you're looking through fogged-up glass? That feeling of seeing everything blurry, especially under bright light, can be daunting and stressful.

As we cross the age of 40, the chance of developing cataracts increases. That's why it's crucial that you take preventative measures right now.

Cataracts in the eyes, why do they appear? Here I explain in a clear and simple way the causes and effective solutions to deal with them.

Cataracts in the eyes: what are they and why do they appear?

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, that small natural lens that allows you to focus light to see clearly.

As you age, your lens can become more cloudy, making it difficult to see. It's like your eye has a dirty window that you can't clean.

Common symptoms are:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light and glare.
  • Increasing difficulty with night vision
  • Seeing “halos” around lights
  • Fading or yellowing of colors
  • Double vision in one eye
  • Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions

What increases the risk of cataracts?

As I mentioned, the main cause is age, but it is not the only one:

  • Diabetes: can alter the metabolism of the lens, making cataracts develop more easily.
  • Sun exposure : Excessive sunlight affects your eyes, damaging the proteins in the lens, which contributes to the formation of cataracts.
  • Medications : Steroids used long-term can alter the composition of the lens.
  • Ocular history : Previous injuries or surgeries may make the eye more prone to developing cataracts in the future.
  • Other eye conditions : glaucoma, myopia and uveitis (chronic inflammation of the eye).

Why is it necessary to protect your eyes from cataracts?

Simple: it affects your quality of life and independence.

Simple things like seeing your loved ones' faces clearly, enjoying a good book, reading product labels, driving, or even walking down the street can become a challenge. And it can cause many symptoms of stress.

However, all is not lost!

What can you do about it to prevent or eliminate cataracts in the eyes?

Although cataracts are unavoidable for many people, there are effective solutions and tips to prevent them.

  • Consult your ophthalmologist : to monitor the progress of your cataracts and advise you on treatment, if you have them.
  • Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle : control diabetes, avoid smoking.
  • Stay active: Regular exercise can help prevent health problems that increase your risk of cataracts.
  • Foods rich in vitamins:
    • Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables.
    • Vitamin C : peppers, citrus fruits, berries, broccoli and tomatoes.
    • Vitamin E: almonds, spinach, wheat germ, sweet potato.
    • Zinc : grass-fed beef, kefir, yogurt, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds.
    • Lutein and zeaxanthin: spinach, kale, eggs, turnip greens
    • Omega-3: fatty fish like salmon, chia seeds.
  • Consider surgery when the time comes – it is one of the most common and safest procedures available.

Cataracts can seem like a dark cloud in your vision, but with proper care and the right information, you can face them with confidence. Remember, you are not alone in this.

Important: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any health conditions, please consult your doctor.

Sources:

  • Cataract symptoms and natural treatments that help
  • Fogg, B.J. (2019). *Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything*. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, p. 43-48.
  • Doepker, Derek. (2013). *Weight Loss Motivation Hacks: 7 Simple Psychological Tricks That Keep You Motivated To Lose Weight*. ExcuseProof.com, p. 65-72.
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