Living with cataracts is something that is unfortunately common amongst people over the age of 70. Research shows that around 30% of people over the age of 70 are living with cataracts. But do you actually know what it is and what it is like living with cataracts?

A simple way of describing cataracts is like a cloudy film over your eyes, but it’s actually the lens inside the eye becoming more cloudy, mainly due to age. This can lead to a lot of problems with your vision; for example, blurred vision and double vision. There are many different symptoms associated with cataracts

If you have recently been diagnosed and are adjusting to living with cataracts, here are some simple tips to make it a little easier. 

Sunlight protection – protecting your eyes from sunlight can help to slow down the progression of cataracts. Make sure that you are wearing glasses that have UV protection to block the rays from getting to your eyes. Additionally, you can also get glasses that have an antiglare coating. Speak to your optician about the different options!

Diet – you may already know that our diet has a huge impact on the health of our eyes and for those living with cataracts, this is even more important. Some Research has shown that vitamin C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin may help to slow down the progression of cataracts. These are found in the following food:

• Citrus fruits
• Leafy green vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Squash
• Pumpkin
• Carrots

 

Eye exercises – there is no credible evidence that any exercises help the progression of cataracts. 

Lifestyle changes – unfortunately, cataract affects your visions so you may need to make some lifestyle changes. This can mean that you have to make changes such as using a magnifying glass to help you read and look at close up objects. Another common change is not driving in the dark; cataracts causes things to become more glared, making it a dangerous task. 

Having a plan – it is important that you go to see your doctor regularly to assess any changes in your conditions and see if treatment is having the desired effect.

Gone are the days when you had to wait for a cataract to “ripen”. Treatment can be now given at any time and is the safest surgery in the world in the hands of our expert surgeons.

There are now so many options for treating cataracts – take a look here at the treatments offered at LondonOC.