Cataracts

Protecting Your Vision & Slowing Progression

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, you may be wondering if surgery is inevitable. While cataract surgery is highly effective, there are steps you can take to slow the progression of cataracts and maintain clear vision for as long as possible.

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

The National Eye Institute recommends protecting your eyes from UV and HEV rays, which can accelerate cataract formation. Here’s how:

• Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays and absorb most HEV rays

• Wear sunglasses daily, even on cloudy days

• Avoid peak sun exposure between 10 AM - 3 PM
  
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Check Your Medications

Many common medications—over 300 of them—have side effects that may contribute to cataracts, even some eye drops. To protect your vision:

• Review your medications with your eye doctor

• Ask your physician if any prescriptions could affect your cataracts

• Take extra precautions (like UV protection) if you must stay on these medications
  
  
  

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, quitting now could slow the progression of cataracts. Smoking doubles or triples your risk of developing cataracts over time. The sooner you stop, the better your long-term eye health.

Eat for Eye Health

A nutrient-rich diet can help slow cataract progression and support overall eye health. Focus on foods high in antioxidants, vitamins C & E, and omega-3s, such as:

• Leafy greens – Spinach, kale, red cabbage • Antioxidant-rich fruits – Blueberries, strawberries, apples, plums

• Vitamin A sources – Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets • Omega-3-rich fish – Salmon, tuna, sardines

• Dark chocolate, nuts, & beans – Great for overall eye health

Avoid processed carbohydrates, which have been linked to an increased risk of cataracts and other health issues like diabetes. Stay Proactive with Eye Exams The best way to manage cataracts is to: • Get regular eye exams to monitor progression • Communicate with your eye doctor about any vision changes • Talk to your eye doctor about when your cataract symptoms are severe enough to need surgery. By making simple changes to your habits, diet, and eye care routine, you can protect your vision and enjoy clearer sight for longer. Schedule an eye exam today to take control of your cataract diagnosis!

Stay Proactive with Eye Exams

The best way to manage cataracts is to:

• Get regular eye exams to monitor progression

• Communicate with your eye doctor about any vision changes

• Talk to your eye doctor about when your cataract symptoms are severe enough to need surgery.

By making simple changes to your habits, diet, and eye care routine, you can protect your vision and enjoy clearer sight for longer. Schedule an eye exam today to take control of your cataract diagnosis!