Table of Contents
Sunglasses. Protective sunglasses do not have to be expensive. But it is important to select sunglasses whose product labels state they block at least 99 percent of UVB rays and 95 percent of UVA rays.
Polarized and mirror-coated lenses do not offer any protection against UV radiation. It is not clear if blue light-blocking lenses, which are usually amber in color, provide UV protection.
Diet and Nutrition
Scientists are not certain if nutrition plays a significant role in cataract development. Dark colored (green, red, purple, and yellow) fruits and vegetables usually have high levels of important plant chemicals (phytochemicals) and may be associated with a lower risk for cataracts.
In analyzing nutrients, researchers have focused on antioxidants and carotenids. Studies have not demonstrated that antioxidant vitamin supplements (such as vitamins C and E) help prevent cataracts. Still, fruits and vegetables containing these vitamins are important for overall good health.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the two carotenids that have been most studied for cataract prevention. They are xanthophylis compounds, which are a particular type of carotenid. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the lenses of the eyes. Some evidence indicates that xanthophyll-rich foods (such as dark green leafy vegetables) may help retard the aging process in the eye and protect against cataracts. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that taking supplements that contain these carotenoids lowers the risk for cataract formation.
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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)
