It is estimated that approximately half of all Americans will have developed cataracts or had cataract surgery by age 80. A cataract, or clouding of the eye’s natural lens, often starts very small. But if left untreated, it can impair vision and function. Currently there is no cure for cataracts but there are ways you can slow their progression and delay the need for treatment, as Los Angeles eye specialist Dr. Linda Vu explains in this blog post.
Routine Eye Exams Are Key
Early stages of cataracts show very little, if any, visual symptoms. For this reason, many people are unaware that they have cataracts until the disease has progressed and they experience significant changes in their vision. Having your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor can help detect cataracts in their early stages, when they are easier to treat than advanced-stage cataracts.
How often you should get your eyes checked depends on several factors, including your age, overall health and family history of eye disease.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
By now, you are aware of the dangerous effects that sun exposure has on your skin. But did you know that overexposure to UV light also damages your eyes? UV exposure increases the risk of several eye diseases, including cataracts. Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing wraparound sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection, including on overcast or cloudy days.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking also poses a risk to your eyes and visual health. In fact, numerous studies show that smoking accelerates the growth of cataracts.
Eat an Eye-Friendly Diet
Eating foods high in vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin may delay the progression of cataracts and other eye diseases. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is full of leafy greens, cold-water fish, citrus fruits and whole grains.
Speak to Our Trusted Cataract Surgeon
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or suspect that you may have the disease, Linda Vision recommends that you schedule a consultation with our board-certified cataract surgeon Dr. Linda Vu. Contact Linda Vision by calling (626) 382-2020 or emailing our office today.