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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffRegular eye exams remain the key to early detection. If you're over age 65, schedule eye exams at least every other year. Although most cataracts occur with age and can't be avoided altogether, you can take steps to help slow or possibly prevent the development of cataracts:
- Don't smoke. Smoking produces free radicals, increasing your risk of cataracts.
- Eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables may have a modest effect in preventing cataract development, though this hasn't been definitively proved.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Ultraviolet light may contribute to the development of cataracts. Whenever possible, wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays when you're outdoors.
- Take care of other health problems. Follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions. If you have a chronic illness, it's especially important that you take other preventive steps, such as wearing UVB-blocking sunglasses when outdoors and not smoking.
Researchers are continuing to explore new ways to prevent and treat cataracts, such as developing medications that would reduce or eliminate the need for surgery. But, until such a treatment exists, your chances of fully restoring your vision with cataract surgery are excellent if you have no other eye diseases.
