Are you at risk of cataracts?

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Cataract –

The most common cause of blindness in the world. Visual impairment with this disease
due to progressive clouding of the lens – the lens located in the eye for colored
wrapper (iris) and to help
focus the image on the retina. “As a rule, the disease is associated with age
and is extremely rarely diagnosed at birth or develops in childhood, –
says Daria
Polukhtina, ophthalmologist at the Center of Ophthalmology
Clinical and diagnostic center MEDSI on Solyanka.
Natural
the processes of growing up, injuries lead to a decrease in the transparency of the lens fibers
due to their compaction and dehydration. As develops clouded
become dense, they block the light passing through the lens, and do not
allow clear images to reach the retina. Some genetic mutations
causing other health problems can increase the risk of cataracts.
Diabetes mellitus, taking steroid drugs, surgery
eyes accelerate the clouding of the lens. “

Types
cataracts

Катаракта

There are several types of cataracts depending on their location:

  • Nuclear cataract – located in the nucleus of the lens of the eye. it
    the most common type of cataract associated with aging.
  • Cortical cataract – develops in the cerebral cortex
    (outer part of the lens).
  • Rear
    subcapsular cataract – formed in the back of the cellophane capsule,
    which surrounds the lens. Most often occurs in people with
    diabetes, overweight or on steroids.

Cataracts can also be classified by reason of their formation:

  • age-related cataracts – develop as a result of aging;
  • congenital cataract – occurs in children as a result of infection,
    injury or complicated pregnancy. The disease can also develop in
    childhood.
  • Secondary cataract is a consequence of other diseases, such
    like diabetes or exposure to toxic substances, certain medications (corticosteroids
    or diuretics), ultraviolet radiation.
  • Traumatic
    cataract – develops as a result of eye injury.

Symptoms
cataracts

Cataracts

The main symptom of cataracts is decreased vision. You start
seem like you are looking through cloudy lenses or a fogged-up window. Cloudiness
the lens can make reading difficult, driving a car, especially at night. How
Usually, opacities develop slowly, but ultimately worsen vision.

Cataract symptoms can also be:

  • sensitivity
    to light and glare;
  • “ghosting”
    around lights;
  • fade
    or yellowing of flowers;

  • one eye.

Symptoms may
vary depending on the location of the cataract in the eye (nuclear,
cortical or posterior subcapsular). They can also be combined with others
vision problems.

“Patients with such complaints should be examined in detail to exclude
pathology of the retina, cornea, as well as presbyopia: age-related hyperopia, –
says our expert. – It also helps to determine the type of required
intraocular lens “.

Cataract treatment

There have been many breakthroughs in recent decades in the treatment and diagnosis of cataracts. “I must say that the only cataract treatment is surgery and intraocular lens implantation,” says Daria Polukhtina. – In most countries, the phacoemulsification method is used – this is a small incision surgery, which in modern centers is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia, without hospitalization. Improvement of ultrasonic technology phacoemulsification and protective solutions made cataract removal safe, effective and today cataract surgery is the most frequently performed operation in the world. ”

Modern systems for calculating the optical power of intraocular lenses allow you to choose a lens that will fit the patient’s lifestyle, and also completely eliminate glasses.

Cataract prevention

“According to a number of studies, it can be concluded that
some nutritional supplements for the prevention of cataracts, says our expert. –
But, unfortunately, one should not expect a great effect from them. Exists
a certain strategy, which
can be useful to all people to reduce the risk of developing cataracts: regular
vision testing, smoking cessation, therapy of comorbidities,
eating a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits, using sunscreen
glasses, avoiding alcohol. “

Include in
eat more fresh vegetables and fruits

Fruits and vegetables

Plant foods are rich in antioxidants that help prevent
development of cataracts. The lens of the eye contains protective enzymes, good
splitting proteins that can clump together and form cataracts. Consuming
more foods high in antioxidants, you protect your eyes from oxidative
stress that provokes cataracts.

Studies have shown that vegetarians and vegans have significant
lower risk of developing cataracts than meat eaters, mainly in the elderly
age. However, research does not show that eating meat contributes to
the development of cataracts – rather, eating a lot of vegetables protects
eye health.

Eat foods with vitamins A, C and E

Vitamin A has been shown to prevent vision loss caused by degenerative conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. A lack of vitamin A causes the cornea to become very dry, which can lead to clouding of the front of the eye, corneal ulcers and loss of vision. Vitamin A deficiency can also damage the retina, which also leads to blindness. Eat carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens regularly.

Adequate intake of vitamin C and Ev in the body also reduces the risk of developing cataracts, according to research. The best sources of vitamin C include peppers, citrus fruits, berries, tropical fruits, broccoli, and tomatoes. Rich in vitamin E: almonds, spinach, wheat germ and sweet potatoes.

Replenish zinc supplies

According to the American Optometry Association, a deficiency Zinc is also linked to impaired vision and poor night vision as it helps deliver vitamin A from the liver to the retina. Diet should be grass-fed beef, kefir, yogurt, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and organic beef. These foods are rich in zinc.

Eat foods with lutein and zeaxanthin

These carotenoids are extremely useful in preventing cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter harmful blue light waves and help protect eye cells. One study found that people on a diet high in zeaxanthin-rich foods (spinach, kale, broccoli) were 50% less likely to have cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin also contain eggs, turnips, corn.

Include omega-3 foods in your diet

According to research, regular consumption oily fish such as salmon and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of cataracts or their progression.

Protect your eyes from the sun

Protect your eyes from the sun

Exposure to ultraviolet light can alter the structure of proteins in the eyes, contributing to such the way the development of cataracts. Intense exposure to sunlight is associated with an increased risk of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with UV protection brims is a good cataract prevention.

Quit bad habits

Reducing alcohol consumption and smoking cessation can significantly reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Studies have shown that drinking one or more alcoholic beverages daily increases the likelihood of developing the disease.

Smoking has a negative effect on the body as a whole, including eye health. Research has shown that quitting smoking does not necessarily reduce your risk of cataracts, but at least it will not increase with every cigarette you smoke.

 

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