An individual with cataracts will usually see cloudy spots that begin small. But with time, they worsen and make it increasingly harder to see and perform daily activities.

Cataracts are the most common cause of permanent vision loss in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no cure for them, but there are some things you can do to slow down their progression. 

Here is how you can delay your cataracts from progressing.

Protect Your Eyes From Damaging Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Wearing sunglasses that offer 100 percent protection from harmful sun rays can help delay the progression of cataracts. Studies show that UV light can damage the protein in your natural eye lenses. This causes structural changes that lead to the formation of cataracts.

When buying sunglasses, look for a pair that blocks out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB light. Check to see that it also filters out 90 percent of visible light.

Manage Health Issues That May Aggravate Cataracts

High blood pressure and diabetes can contribute to the growth of cataracts. If you have diabetes, it is necessary to manage your blood sugar levels. High levels of glucose in your blood are detrimental to your eye health.

Also, check your blood pressure regularly and ensure that you take the medications your doctor has recommended for high blood pressure. If your blood pressure levels are not improving, talk to your healthcare provider about intensifying or changing your medicines.

Eat Healthily

A diet that contains many fruits and vegetables provides the necessary vitamins and nutrients that promote eye health. Fruits and veggies are high in antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidants help offset the processes that cause eye damage and other health problems.

Good sources of antioxidants are foods rich in vitamins C and E. 

You can get vitamin C from broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi and citrus fruits, potatoes, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts. 

Rich sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils like wheat germ, safflower, or sunflower. Almonds and peanuts are also rich in vitamin E.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking cigars and other varieties of tobacco can trigger eye complications. It clears the healthy chemicals in your eyes and releases toxins that can cause or worsen cataracts.

If you have been smoking for a long time and need help quitting, get help from your doctor. Your doctor can recommend medicines, counseling therapy, and other remedies that will help you quit smoking.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Do not consume excess alcohol. Experts link excess alcohol intake with a higher risk of developing cataracts. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, your doctor can help you get the care you need.

Medications and individual or group-based therapies can help you limit your alcohol consumption. Treatment can also help you stop taking alcohol altogether. 

Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Visiting your eye doctor for regular eye checkups helps you monitor your cataracts and learn more about how you can control them. If you are at a high risk of getting certain eye conditions, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits.

For more eye protection tips or to schedule an appointment, call Clarity Vision at (919) 646-2900 to reach our office in Holly Springs, North Carolina.