August, National Eye Exam Month, offers us an excellent opportunity to learn about something that affects many seniors: Cataracts. A common but often misunderstood condition, cataracts, defined as a clouding of the lens in the eye, can significantly impact vision, quality of life, and ultimately your independence if left unchecked. Seniors carry a higher risk of developing cataracts, yet with proactive steps and changes in lifestyle habits, they can mitigate the risks.
Here's what you need to know about cataracts, and how you can prevent them.
Understanding Cataracts: The Basics
Cataracts occur when the clear lens in your eye begins to thicken and lose its transparency, leading to clouded vision. This vision impairment is not a disease but a natural process of aging. However, seniors become more susceptible due to prolonged exposure to various risk factors such as ultraviolet rays and certain health conditions like diabetes.
Reducing the Risk of Cataracts
The good news is there are several ways to lessen the risk of developing cataracts as you grow older. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and antioxidants known to protect eye health. You probably already know that carotene-rich carrots are good for your health, but dark leafy vegetables like kale and spinach contain other eye-saving vital nutrients.
Regular physical activity encourages good overall health, which indirectly benefits your eyes. Are you a smoker? Giving up this habit can enormously reduce the risk.
Exposure to the sun's harsh UV rays over time can speed up the development of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection or a hat with a brim when outside can be a simple yet effective measure. Keeping the body well-hydrated also contributes to eye health, as it ensures that nutrients reach the eye and waste products get flushed out efficiently.
Why You Should Get Routine Eye Exams
Despite making these lifestyle adjustments, routine eye exams are critical for keeping cataracts at bay. These exams can detect the early signs of cataracts, enabling swift intervention. Medical advancements can slow down cataract progression and, in some cases, even reverse the condition when detected early. Eye care professionals recommended that seniors have their eyes checked at least twice a year—more often if they have pre-existing conditions.
Stay Healthy With Senior Helpers
While cataracts are commonly associated with aging, they don't have to be inevitable. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, protecting your eyes from the sun, keeping hydrated, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
If you live in St. Louis, Frontenac, Mehlville, Crestwood, or Oakville, Senior Helpers Webster Groves is here for you. Our professional caregivers can help you with shopping, meal preparation, transportation, and assistance with in-home personal care tasks. And if you need reminders to wear those fancy new shades when you're enjoying the sunshine, we've got you covered.
Ready to protect your vision and live your best life? Contact us today to learn more about how we can enhance your independence and your health.