“How can you prevent cataracts from getting worse?”

There are some conditions that predispose to cataract formation such as diabetes and steroid use. Sun exposure may contribute as well. Eating a healthy diet, taking care of your overall health, and using sun glasses to shield against UV light exposure may help to delay progression of cataracts.

Everyone gets cataracts eventually. Virtually every patient I see over the age of 55-60 has some degree of cataracts. Some develop and become symptomatic faster, and need to be removed sooner, but nearly everyone will need cataract surgery eventually if they want to retain good vision. That being said, there are a few things you can do to slow their progression. You can wear sunglasses when outdoors, eat a healthy balanced diet, don’t smoke tobacco, and if you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. While none of these will stop the development of cataracts, or even slow it dramatically, they are small steps you can take to slow their progression.

Sincerely,

Eric Downing, MD

Cataracts are ubiquitous in the aging population, and will cause some change in the quality of vision in every human. Most people can still perform their activities of daily life very well, despite the presence of mild to moderate cataracts. That being said, there is no practical way of preventing cataracts or progression of cataracts. When the vision is affecting your ability to carry out your activities safely and comfortably, it will be time to talk to your eye specialist about rehabilitating your vision with cataract surgery

If diabetes is affecting the cataracts, then controlling it will help. Otherwise, there is no way to change it.

Hello, the progression of cataracts can be effected by nutritional, environmental and chemical factors. Avoidance of fatty foods, smoking, excessive direct sunlight and medications containing steroids, especially nasal sprays, can help slow down the progression of cataracts.