Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Cataracts - Risk Factors

Table of Contents

Prevention


Although cataracts are not completely preventable, their occurrence can be delayed. Quitting smoking, avoiding overexposure to sunlight, avoiding excess amounts of alcohol are important protective measures, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may delay the formation of cataracts. No existing evidence suggests that using eye drops or ointments or performing eye exercises will stem the onset of cataracts.

Avoiding Ultraviolet Radiation

The simplest and most effective way to protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is to stay out of the sun. Wear a hat and cover-up outside, particularly when the sun is most intense (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.). A wide-brimmed hat can significantly reduce eye exposure to UVB radiation. Because the sun's rays are highly reflective, sitting in the shade or under an umbrella by itself does not guarantee protection.

Sun protection
Clothing that blocks or screens the harmful rays of the sun (UVA and UVB), in combination with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, all help prevent damage to the eyes and skin. Any one of these by itself, even the sunscreen, may not be enough to prevent sun damage.

Note: Moderate sun exposure provides an important source of vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and other health factors. Fortuntately, people who protect themselves from the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can get the vitamins they need from supplements.

Vitamin D source Click the icon to see an image of vitamin D.
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Review Date: 06/23/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)