Most people think cataracts only develop in the elderly, but the proteins in your eye’s lens start breaking down much earlier — around age 40. Research shows that half of all Americans develop some level of cataract by their 80s.
Stephen Khachikian, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist in Rapid City, South Dakota, specializes in cataract surgery but also regularly counsels patients on simple steps to protect their vision before cataracts become a problem. In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, here are eight ways you can slow down this common eye condition.
The ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunshine damage your lens proteins directly. This damage accumulates silently for decades before symptoms appear. Quality sunglasses with complete UV protection act as a barrier against this daily assault. The wraparound styles work best because they block light from all angles.
People with diabetes face 2-5 times higher risk of cataracts. High blood glucose causes your eye’s lens to absorb excess sugar and convert to sorbitol. This substance pulls water into the lens and damages the delicate proteins there. Even if you don’t have diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar helps preserve lens clarity.
Your body can’t repair lens proteins once they’re damaged. However, certain compounds help prevent that damage from happening. Focus on foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin — kale, spinach, orange peppers, and egg yolks concentrate these nutrients. They accumulate in eye tissues and absorb harmful blue light before it can damage lens proteins.
Smokers typically develop cataracts more than five years earlier than nonsmokers. Tobacco smoke floods your bloodstream with oxidative compounds that directly attack lens proteins. Quitting smoking at any age slows this process substantially.
Many common medications contribute to earlier cataract formation:
Dr. Khachikian can help determine if any of your medications might affect your lens health and coordinate with your primary care doctor about possible alternatives.
Your eye depends on proper fluid balance. Consistent mild dehydration concentrates proteins in the lens, speeding up the clouding process. Drinking plenty of plain water supports optimal eye function and helps remove potential toxins from your system.
Excess body weight creates chronic inflammation throughout your body, including your eyes. This inflammatory state accelerates protein damage in the lens. Maintaining a healthy weight through sensible nutrition and regular movement reduces this damage over time.
Most people miss the early signs of cataracts because the condition develops gradually. Noticing increased glare from headlights, seeing halos around lights, or perceiving colors that look less vibrant should prompt an eye exam. After age 50, regular checkups are essential even without noticeable vision changes.
Dr. Khachikian evaluates lens clarity during your exam and can detect cataracts in their earliest stages. This early detection allows you to implement these preventive strategies when they can have the most impact.
Call our office at 605-203-4256 today or schedule online to get a thorough eye checkup and personalized advice for maintaining clear vision.
