Cataracts are a common vision problem, especially for older women and men. Causing symptoms like clouded vision, faded colors, glare, and difficulty seeing in dim light, cataracts get worse over time and eventually require surgery to remove the cloudy lens and restore crisp, clear vision.
At Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts, we’re committed to helping every patient make informed decisions about their vision, offering not only advanced vision treatments but also plenty of education and guidance. Here, our team is reviewing seven of the most significant risk factors for cataracts, so you can take important steps to protect your vision.
Age is the most significant risk factor for cataracts. As we get older, the proteins inside the eye’s natural lens begin to degrade and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy over time. This clouding typically happens gradually, causing few symptoms in the early stages.
More than half of adults have had at least one cataract by the time they reach age 80, but they usually start forming much earlier — as early as their 40s. Diagnosing cataracts early is one major reason why regular eye exams are so important, especially as you get older.
Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are all common health issues affecting millions of Americans — and they’re also all significant risk factors for developing cataracts. Each of these issues contributes to inflammation and blood vessel damage, which can, in turn, interfere with blood supply to the eye and within the eye.
If you have any of these health issues, it’s essential to work closely with our team and your other care providers to develop a management plan tailored to you. Routine eye exams are also critical to ensuring your management plan is working to protect your vision.
Most of us know not to look directly at the sun, but even ambient sunlight can lead to eye damage, too, including damage to the eye’s lenses. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to earlier and more severe cataract symptoms.
To counteract this risk factor, be sure to wear sunglasses every day, even on cloudy days. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, and if you wear “regular” glasses, opt for UV-protective lenses with them as well.
Smoking is another significant risk factor for cataract development. The chemicals in tobacco products trigger a cellular process that, in turn, damages the eye’s lens, hastening cataract formation.
Quitting smoking lowers your risk of cataracts and other eye problems, too, in part by reducing blood vessel damage and improving circulation to your eyes. Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting now can still have a major impact on your vision — and your overall health, too. Find tips to help you quit at SmokeFree.gov.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a wide array of health issues. While their benefits can be significant, long-term use is associated with several negative side effects, including an increased risk of cataracts.
That doesn’t mean you should stop your medication; rather, it may mean you need more frequent eye exams to monitor your eye health. Talking with our team and your other healthcare providers is important to ensure you understand the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.
Previous eye trauma or surgery can also increase your risk of cataracts, especially if the lens was injured. Even mild lens damage can trigger changes that lead to clouding over time.
During your eye exam, be sure to let us know about any prior injuries or eye surgeries that could have an impact on your eye health and vision in the future.
Finally, your family history can also play a big role in cataract development. If you have close family members with cataracts, you’re more likely to develop them yourself.
This is a risk factor you can’t change — but knowing your family history can help you take important proactive steps to protect your vision and detect cataracts before they cause major vision problems.
Although some cataract risk factors, such as age and genetics, are beyond your control, others can be managed through a proactive approach focused on healthy habits and preventive care.
To learn more about your personal cataract risk factors or to have your eyes evaluated for cataracts, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts in Bellmore and Great Neck, New York, today.
