How to prevent cataracts

[BlauesMeer]

Hi, I have many relatives with cataracts, so I would like to know how to prevent them, since I have risk factors. Internet has lot of information, but I would love to know real info.

Thanks a lot!

[Hidden]

Hello BlauesMeer

I am not sure I can tell you more than you have already read. Cataracts are a very common eye condition which affects mostly people of about 50 or over. Unfortunately, it is a sign of ageing when the lenses in your eyes become cloudy. Cataracts grow very slowly and many people have got them without being aware of them until they have become prominent.

While it is always advisable to live a healthy lifestyle for many reasons - healthy food, plenty of exercise, no smoking or heavy drinking, the usual advise - there is no proof that cataracts can be prevented. In my regular circle of over 130 friends and acquaintances, aged between 50 and 85, more than half of them have anything from early stages of cataracts to having had them removed and the only thing we have in common is our walking and sporty activities. Apart from that we all live different lifestyles. Nor is there any indication that genetics play a major part, and even if that was the case, there is nothing we do about it anyway. However, diabetes, injury to the eye, invasive eye treatment,or steroids may well speed up the development of cataracts.

All in all, I would not be too concerned about cataracts. As I said, they progress very slowly. I was told about mine 10 years ago and only now is the one in my right eye causing slight problems. I am still not aware of the one in my left eye despite having treatment in that eye for AMD.

Hope that helps. Enjoy the good things in your life. All the best.

[StokeySue]

I'm not sure there is much you can do if they are in your genetic programming - both my parents had cataract operations and mine will probably happen at about the same age as my Dad (60s) and a bit younger than my Mum (70s). But I know a family where 2/3 children have had the op in their late teens (both girls are fine)

Definitely protect your eyes as far as possible from UV - sunglasses and a hat with a brim, that is as I understand it a risk factor