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Reducing Risk of Cataract
Although we do not yet know what causes cataracts, studies have identified the following risk factors:
- Aging
- Long-term exposure to sunlight
- Cigarette smoking
- High cholesterol/triglycerides
- Diabetes
- Certain eye conditions - cataract is often associated with myopia, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinopathy of prematurity
- Cortisone medication taken orally for a long time
- Eye injury
What You Can Do to Reduce Risk
Currently, there is no proven way to prevent the development of cataracts other than controlling medical conditions that may be the cause. Antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins C and E have been identified as reducing the risk of developing cataracts and slowing their progression. Wearing UV-protected sunglasses to reduce exposure to ultraviolet light can also reduce risk.