Cataracts may not be life-threatening, but they can impair your eyesight if not treated on time. It is a very common disorder and clarity of eyesight can easily be restored with a simple surgical procedure. The good news is that there are natural methods that you can use to help reduce cataract risks. If you are looking for home remedies and natural ways to deal with your cataract better, you are at the right place. In this article, we will discuss some home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help lower the risks of cataracts as well as be helpful for a person with cataracts.
But, first, let’s understand what a cataract is?
Age-related changes and other medical conditions cause proteins and fibres within the lenses to break down and clump together, which leads to clouding of the lenses of the eyes. In this condition, the opaque and cloudy lens partially blocks and scatters the light passing through it, leading to blurred vision. Although you can develop cataracts in both eyes, they usually do not develop at the same time. Cataracts are more common in older people.
What symptoms to look for to detect cataracts?
Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitive to light and glare
- Colours appear faded
- Lights appear to have halos
- Double vision in the affected eye
- Need for a frequent change in lens or eyeglass prescriptions
It is important to know, what might cause cataracts
Most people begin developing cataracts around the age of 40. Most people become aware of the symptoms after the age of 60. Cataracts are rarely seen at birth.
Cataract development can, however, be influenced by certain factors:
- Smoking
- UV radiation
- Long-term use of steroids and other medications
- Diseases such as diabetes
- Consuming alcohol in huge quantities
- Radiation therapy
- 7 Home remedies beneficial for your eyes
- A healthy diet: The consumption of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants can help protect the eyes from cataract-causing oxidative stress. Additionally, antioxidants help in protecting your eyes from the formation of cataracts by maintaining the enzymatic pathways. Add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Seeds and nuts: Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in nuts and seeds that protects the cells of the eye membranes from free radical damage. The health of your eyes can be improved by eating nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds. These, along with fatty fish, are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Wear sun protection: Sun exposure can lead to a cataract developing in the eye if the eyes are exposed to harmful UV rays. The ultraviolet light can cause the proteins in the eye to oxidize. Sunlight’s UV rays increase the risk of cataracts the more your eyes are exposed to it. If you are outdoors, you should wear sunglasses in order to protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. A pair of sunglasses should block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation. This can help with the risks of a cataract.
Lifestyle changes: There are some lifestyle habits that can increase your risk of developing cataracts. Smoking and alcohol consumption both contribute to this risk. Alcohol consumption is associated with a moderate risk of cataracts, according to studies. Drinking more frequently tends to increase the risk. The risks of cataracts are also greater for smokers compared to nonsmokers. Cutting down on both smoking and alcohol can help with the risks of cataracts.
Stay hydrated: A dehydrated body can accumulate toxins, which can increase health problems. The body detoxifies and flushes out toxins when you drink enough water. Drinking enough water helps keep your body as well as your eye health safe.
Regular eye checkups: Even if you don’t have any symptoms, an eye examination at regular intervals is essential, especially after the age of 40. Your doctor can check for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other vision disorders during routine visits. Consequently, early intervention can be instituted and eye health and vision problems can be addressed more effectively.
Keep a check on your blood sugars and blood pressure: People with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts. Take your medications on time and monitor your blood sugar regularly to reduce the risk of further complications.
How to prevent cataracts
There is no natural way to prevent cataracts, but there are some measures a person can take to help prevent cataracts from developing and slow their progression.
These steps include:
- Protecting the eyes from the sun: People need to wear sunglasses and a hat with a rim to block sunlight. This is important, as exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
- Quitting smoking, if applicable: Smoking is very bad for a person’s eyes. It can increase their risk of developing cataracts and can also increase their risk of macular degeneration.
- Eating a nutritious diet: People need to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to lower their risk of developing cataracts. They should consider eating dark, leafy greens, such as:
- spinach
- kale
- collard greens
A person can also consider having a dilated eye exam. The National Eye Institute states that if someone is over 60 years of age, they need to have a dilated eye exam at least once every 2 years.
