Can you stop cataracts from getting worse?
Nearly everyone eventually develops cataracts, and they cannot be reversed without surgery. However, certain proactive lifestyle adjustments can reduce your risk of cataracts.
Even if you have already been diagnosed with early cataract formation, you may choose to adopt a healthier lifestyle and use proper eye protection regardless, as the same habits that reduce your risk of cataracts (i.e. quitting smoking) are also good for other aspects of your well-being.
Here, Marietta ophthalmologist Dr. Jordan Stanley, a cataract surgery specialist, explains how cataracts develop and the steps you can take to protect your vision.
What are cataracts, and why do they develop?
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens and the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide. The condition is often age-related—the proteins and fibers in the lens break down and clump together, blocking and scattering light. Cataracts can also be caused by eye trauma, medical conditions such as diabetes, and the long-term use of steroid medications.
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, and certain medications can accelerate their development.
As cataracts progress, they can blur vision, increase sensitivity to glare, and make colors appear duller. While aging may be the most common cause of the development and progression of cataracts, other factors like UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, and certain medications can accelerate their development.
Prevent cataracts early by controlling your risk factors
Timely cataract surgery is key to preserving your vision once cataracts have accelerated to a certain degree. If you are not ready for surgery or simply want to prevent cataract formation, adopt these evidence-based strategies to try and slow cataract progression and, thus, the need for surgery:
1. Protect your eyes from UV rays
Prolonged UV exposure is a significant risk factor for cataract progression, as UV rays accelerate the breakdown of proteins in the lens which will cause further clouding. Wear sunglasses and hats to block UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outdoors.
2. Prioritize a nutritious diet
A diet rich in antioxidants can protect your eyes from oxidative stress, one of the key contributors to cataract formation. Leafy greens (like spinach and kale), colorful fruits (such as oranges and berries), and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon) are packed with nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and are excellent options to bolster eye health.
3. Quit smoking
Smoking introduces harmful toxins into your body, making smokers up to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared to non-smokers. If you need help quitting, ask your primary care physician about smoking cessation programs to break the habit and lower your risk of eye-related complications.
4. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes
Chronic illnesses including diabetes and hypertension can accelerate cataract development if left uncontrolled. High blood sugar levels, for example, can lead to changes in the lens that worsen cataracts. If you have a chronic condition, regular check-ups and consistent blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring may help prevent accelerating your cataract symptoms.
5. Schedule annual eye exams
Medical eye exams allow your ophthalmologist to monitor the condition of your eyes’ lenses and recommend timely interventions. Dr. Stanley uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess your eye health and provide personalized recommendations.
“Dr. Stanley was kind and professional. He was very helpful, giving solid and understandable insight into the current and future health of my eyes. He provided options and paths forward for maintaining eye health in the long term. I highly recommend Dr. Stanley and Puresight Surgical!”
What happens if you get cataracts?
Unfortunately, even with diligent efforts to preserve eye health, the severity of cataract symptoms will eventually worsen. Once these symptoms begin to significantly interfere with your daily activities, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces, it’s time to consider cataract surgery.
Modern cataract surgery has a very high success rate—about 95% of patients have their vision restored.
Early detection is very important; be sure to attend annual eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to monitor any changes to your eye health and vision, even if you do not have any symptoms.
Benefits of cataract surgery
To correct cataracts, Dr. Stanley removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The method is considered to be one of the safest surgical procedures and offers numerous benefits:
- Restored vision. The new lens allows light to properly focus on the retina and restores sharp and clear vision. Nearly all patients experience dramatic improvements in their ability to see colors, read, and drive after cataract surgery.
- Reduced dependence on eyeglasses. Advanced IOL technology, such as multifocal and toric lenses, can correct presbyopia and astigmatism, allowing many patients to enjoy glasses-free vision for most activities.
- Quick recovery and permanent results. Cataract surgery is minimally invasive and takes only 10-20 minutes to complete. Most patients experience improved vision within days of the surgery, with full results expected after two to six weeks. With proper post-operative care, your new lens can provide clear vision for the rest of your life.
- Enhanced safety. Poor vision caused by cataracts can increase the risk of falls and accidents. Restoring your vision with cataract surgery reduces the likelihood of injuries, particularly for older adults, for greater peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Glaucoma prevention. In some cases, advanced cataracts can increase your risk of developing glaucoma—an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which can cause vision loss and blindness. As cataracts grow, they can thicken and cloud the lens and constrict the drainage angle of the eye. This buildup of fluid and increased intraocular pressure may cause glaucoma.
- Improved quality of life. Cataract surgery enables you to fully engage in any activities that were previously limited by poor eyesight. This may allow you to regain some lost independence and confidence in performing everyday tasks, as well as enjoy more of your favorite hobbies once your vision is clearer.
At PureSight Surgical, we provide transparent pricing and personalized care to save you both time and money. For patients who are un- or under-insured, this empowers you to understand what your care costs and avoid unexpected fees and charges.
Why choose Dr. Jordan Stanley for cataract care in Marietta?
Dr. Stanley combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to help preserve and maintain optimal eye health. His expertise in cataract surgery helps him personalize treatment plans for each patient, and his transparent pricing model ensures you can trust Dr. Stanley to provide the highest quality care.
Cataracts may be a natural part of aging, but with the right care from an expert ophthalmologist, you can take control of your eye health and maintain your independence. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jordan Stanley today to learn more about your options to address cataracts. Call our Marietta office at (770) 230-2020 or fill out our online appointment request form to take the next step toward clearer, brighter vision. Don’t let cataracts hold you back from a life well lived!