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Imagine a world that’s constantly cloudy, and not just outside. Cataracts create blurry vision by creating a foggy area over the lens of the eye, taking you away from many of the sights around you. Although this condition develops over the years, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk.
The benefits of eating healthy are well known, but did you know that a proper diet can make an impact on your eye health? High blood pressure and diabetes are risk factors associated with the condition, so modifying your meals can make a huge difference later on when it comes to your eye care. Consider adding foods high in antioxidants and protein and low in sodium, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and lean meats.
Ultraviolet rays (UV rays) can cause protein damage in your eye’s lens, which could lead to cataracts with prolonged exposure. Limiting your time in the sun is one possibility, but that could deprive you of much-needed vitamin D for winter months. The best course of action is to wear sunglasses, even during cloudy days, to protect your eyes from UV rays.
As previously mentioned, high blood pressure is a risk factor for cataract development, and two habits that can create this dilemma are smoking and alcohol consumption. In recent years, vaping has also been connected to oxidative stress that creates cataracts. By reducing or even completely removing these habits from your routine, you can keep your blood pressure low as well as your chances of cloudy vision.
Visiting your eye doctor regularly is one of the most elements to your eye care as they can evaluate your vision and conduct a thorough examination. In fact, many ophthalmologists work together to determine the extent of your vision loss and see if you are in the early stages of cataract development.
Dr. Rachel Sabo, a CEENTA cataract surgeon who practices at our Statesville office, explains what you can do should you be diagnosed with cataracts. “Ultimately, cataracts are like wrinkles: if you live long enough, you will develop them. However, cataracts are not a condition that patients should fear. Vision loss from cataracts is completely reversible with a straightforward outpatient surgery. Cataract surgery can also offer the additional benefit of becoming less dependent on glasses or contacts depending on what lens type you select for your surgery. Many patients often tell me that they wish they did not wait so long to have their cataract surgery because they are so happy with the improvement in vision they experience after surgery.”
Clearing up your cataracts can be as simple as a visit to CEENTA. Our fellowship-trained cataract surgeons can provide traditional and laser treatment options for your cloudy vision along with multiple lens options best suited for your condition. Schedule your next cataract appointment with Dr. Sabo today at our Statesville office online or by using your myCEENTAchart account.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
After your cataract surgery, follow these post-op steps to ensure that you can see clearly.
CEENTA is pleased to announce the arrival of neuro-ophthalmologist Alexandra “Ola” Pietraszkiewicz, MD, and retina specialist Matthew Wilde, MD.
CEENTA cataract surgeon Vipul Shah, MD, appeared on WSOC's The Daily Two to discuss cataract development and sun protection.
