Cataracts are still the number one blinding eye disease worldwide. Many factors can contribute to the development of cataracts, such as aging, trauma, ocular inflammation, damage from physical or chemical factors, certain medications, systemic metabolic diseases, and congenital genetic and developmental abnormalities, among others. It is generally believed that the occurrence of cataracts is the result of a series of long-term genetic, environmental, nutritional, and metabolic effects. In view of these possible causes of cataract occurrence and progression, some daily preventive and health care measures are proposed.
Avoid long-term sunlight exposure: Moderate outdoor sports and sunbathing are good for physical and mental health, but since ultraviolet rays can damage many eye structures, including the lens, the time spent in contact with sunlight should not be excessive. We recommend wearing tinted glasses to reduce the damage to the eyes from visible light and ultraviolet radiation.
Antioxidants, vitamins and trace elements: Antioxidants can help crystal cells in the body to resist damage from oxidizing substances, reduce the production of free radicals and maintain the transparency of the lens to a certain extent. Vitamins A, C, and E [3] are good for protecting the lens, and vitamins B1 and B2, as well as trace elements zinc and selenium, are important for maintaining the normal metabolism of structures in the human eye. In addition, as early as 1999, foreign scientists proved through clinical trials that lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the incidence of cataracts, and in addition they play a protective role for the macula. The following table of foods rich in vitamins and zeaxanthin is available for reference.
Third, good habits: A large number of domestic and foreign studies have shown that the formation of cataracts is closely related to smoking, alcohol consumption, weight, blood sugar and so on. Therefore, low-salt, low-fat and low-sugar diet helps control human blood pressure, blood lipids and blood sugar, and plays an important role in protecting the function of the cardiovascular system. And systemic systemic diseases, especially diabetes, play an advancing role in the occurrence and development of cataracts. Therefore, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure can also help delay cataracts. In daily life, it is also important to try to smoke less and not to drink alcohol.
Fourth, control and timely treatment of related diseases: In addition to systemic system diseases, many eye diseases can also lead to cataracts. Such as eye trauma, uveitis, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, high myopia, etc. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of these eye diseases play an important role in the development of cataract, control the disease from progressing and deteriorating, and play a protective role for the transparency of the lens.