When it comes to cataracts and reducing your risk factors, investing in (and remembering to wear) a good pair of UVB sunglasses can actually do a lot of good. Looking for treatment for cataracts near Providence? Read on to learn more about cataracts and how you can reduce your risk factors!

Advancing age

You can’t do much about getting older. But you can do your part to take care of yourself and keep your eye-health at the top of your priority list. Starting at age 40, be sure to go to your eye exams every year or so. At age 60, you should have an eye exam once a year. Staying on top of your annual exams allows the opportunity for your eye doctor to detect and treat eye changes and problems at the onset, which is better for your vision in the long run.

Diabetes

Cataracts, a clouding of the lens that impairs vision and can eventually lead to total vision loss, occurs more much more frequently in people with diabetes. Cataracts that are associated with diabetes often occur because of excess levels of a sugar from glucose — sorbitol — which forms deposits within the lens. If a cataract begins to interfere with your vision, you may need surgery to remove the affected lens and replace it with a lens implant. Managing your diabetes and following your treatment plan can help you reduce, but not eliminate, your risk of developing cataracts.

Smoking

Along with increasing your risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and other major health conditions and diseases, smoking also increases your risk of developing cataracts. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation support ideas such as counseling. Smoking can cause irreparable damage, but the sooner you stop, the healthier your eyes will be.

High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

Along with causing heart and kidney problems, untreated high blood pressure (hypertension) can also affect your eyesight and lead to eye disease. Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images focus, a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. Hypertension also plays a role in increasing cataracts risk. Keeping your blood pressure under control is good for your whole body, including your eyes!

Prolonged Corticosteroid Use

For those with asthma and other conditions requiring the use of corticosteroid medication such steroid inhalers and ingested steroids for reduction of systemic inflammation, these medications are required. Don’t disregard medical advice or your treatment plan in order to reduce your cataracts risk, but knowledge is power. Know that prevention of prolonged corticosteroid use can go a long way. Stay on top of your general health conditions, follow your treatment plans, and see your eye doctor for regular eye exams. Not only will this help you and your doctor catch any vision problems early, but also get you started on the right treatment plan.

Treatment for Cataracts Providence

If your vision is blurry, or you suspect you may have cataracts, contact Dr. Diamante for a bladeless laser cataract surgery consultation!