Cataracts are a disease that affects the lens of your eye, creating a cloudy area. According to the National Eye Institute, “half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts.”
While other diseases that affect the eye like keratoconus and myopia may not have a cure, the good news is that surgery can effectively get rid of cataracts.
What Causes Cataracts?
We typically see the onset of cataracts at age 40. As you begin to age, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clump forms into a cloudy area on your lens — or a cataract. Over time, the cataract gets more severe and clouds more of the lens, obscuring your vision and making it hard to see (National Eye Institute).
Risk Factors for Cataracts: What You Need to Know
The number #1 risk factor for developing cataracts is age. Other risk factors include:
- Comorbidity with other health issues, like diabetes
- Smoking and drinking alcohol—activities that weaken your system and diminish healthy metabolism functioning
- Exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays through extended time in the sun
- Eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body
- Taking steroids (medicines used to treat a variety of health problems, like arthritis and rashes)
- A family history of cataracts
While cataracts are often a sign of aging, delaying the onset of symptoms is doable, and starts with getting comprehensive eye exams. In addition, practice healthy habits that support the processes needed to effectively clear out excess protein.
Want to learn more about cataracts? Book a comprehensive eye exam with us today! Just go to https://www.myvisionunlimited.com/book-appointment.
Works Cited
“Cataracts.” National Eye Institute, n.d., https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts. Accessed 18 June 2022.