If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, you may wonder if cataract surgery is right around the corner. Not to worry! You can take many preventive steps to slow the progression of cataracts and preserve your vision. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t eventually need surgery, but you can at least delay the need for quite a while.
 

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

The National Eye Institute recommends always wearing good-quality sunglasses while outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy visible (HEV) rays. Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays and absorb most HEV rays, with large lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style. The peak hours for sun exposure are between 10 am and 3 pm (or 11 am and 4 pm during Daylight Saving Time), and the sun’s rays are strong enough to pass through clouds, so you need your sunglasses every day.
 

Avoid Steroid Eye Drops

Steroid eye drops are routinely prescribed to treat dry eyes or an arthritic flare-up in the eyes. Unfortunately, they can also speed up the progression of cataracts. Talk to your Optometrist about how you can manage both conditions without inadvertently making your cataracts worse – and hastening the need for surgery.
 

Check Your Medications

Over 300 commonly prescribed medications can have side effects that may impact cataract progression. Since your primary care physician may not have access to your eye doctor’s medical records, be sure to ask your doctor if your current medications will affect your cataracts. If you must stay on the medication, it’s even more important to avoid sunlight during peak hours and to wear sunglasses.

Quit Smoking

If you haven’t quit already, here’s another good reason to do it: over time, the damage from smoking can double or triple an individual’s risk of developing cataracts. If you’ve been a smoker, your habit probably contributed to the diagnosis. The good news is – by quitting smoking now, you can slow the progression of cataracts.
 

Follow Eye Health Diet Guidelines

Studies have shown that certain vitamins and nutrients may reduce age-related decline in eye health, particularly antioxidants. If you’ve already been diagnosed with cataracts, adding foods rich in antioxidants to your diet will help slow the progression. This list isn’t exhaustive, but here are some examples to get you started: dark chocolate, blueberries, strawberries, pecans, carrots, sweet potatoes, artichokes, kale, red cabbage, beans, beets, spinach, apples, and plums.

Doctors also recommend eating more fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. This diet has been linked to a potentially reduced risk of cataracts and can slow their progression. You may also consider taking a multivitamin containing Vitamin C and E. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about adopting a healthy eating plan designed to prevent cataracts.

Studies have shown that a diet rich in processed carbohydrates can increase your risk of developing cataracts and speed up their progression. It’s important to develop a plan that works for you and supports your holistic health. Making these healthy modifications to your diet can also prevent many other lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes.

Take control of your cataract diagnosis by getting regular eye exams, communicating with your doctor, and putting these tips into practice. As a result, you’ll have better vision and prevent the need for cataract surgery in the near future.