Cataract is one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness around the world. Reportedly, 80% of the blindness among Indian people is caused by cataracts. While increasing age is one of the biggest risk factors for the condition, other aspects, including lifestyle, an underlying medical condition, or a previous eye injury, may also contribute to it.
Although assessing your risk is one of the first steps against cataract prevention, taking the necessary measures while you're still young can significantly reduce your risk. Here's what Dr Deepti Mehta, Consultant-Ophthalmology, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad, recommends.
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What Causes Cataracts?
Cataract refers to the clouding of the lens of the eye, which normally focuses light onto the retina to create clear vision. In simple terms, it is as if you have a foggy layer in front of your eye.
It could be accompanied by symptoms such as blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, sensitivity to light, fading of the colours, and more.
When it comes to what causes cataracts, there isn't a definite answer. However, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the main culprit is ageing.
As we get older, the proteins in the lens start to naturally break down, forming the cloudy areas characteristic of cataracts. This gradual breakdown is likely due to factors like oxidative stress and changes in protein structure.
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Who Is Most At Risk?
Sharing some of the factors that contribute to cataracts, Dr Mehta lists:
Age: The risk of cataracts increases with age. In fact, most cataracts are due to age-related changes in the lens of the eye. People between 40 and 50 years of age are more likely to develop cataracts.
Family history: A genetic predisposition may increase the likelihood of developing cataracts. This means that if you have parents, brothers, sisters, or other family members who have cataracts, you could be more likely to develop the condition.
UV exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun may increase the risk of cataracts. A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that people with the highest levels of lifetime sun exposure have a much higher chance of developing cataracts compared to those with lower sun exposure. In fact, the prevalence of cataracts nearly doubled in the group with the most sun exposure, jumping from 37% to a staggering 66%.
Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains substances that can accelerate the development of cataracts.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of cataracts.
Eye injuries or surgeries: Trauma to the eye or previous eye surgeries can contribute to cataract formation.
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What Young People Can Do To Reduce Their Risk Of Cataract In Old Age?
If you’re young, there is still time to protect yourself from future blindness caused by cataracts. You can take measures to reduce your risk of developing the eye condition and spare yourself the misery of getting surgery. Here’s what you can do now:
- Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
- Get routine eye examinations that can help detect early signs of eye conditions, allowing for timely intervention.
- Manage underlying conditions like diabetes to reduce the risk of cataracts.
Conclusion
There is no definite way to predict a disease; however, you can always take measures to reduce your risk. When it comes to conditions like cataracts, age can be a big contributor. But if you start making healthier choices when you’re young, you can significantly reduce your risk. Eating a balanced diet, working out regularly, and getting frequent eye examinations can help tremendously. Moreover, if you have any underlying health conditions, like diabetes, it is best to keep an eye out for them. Most importantly, consult a doctor to understand your risk factors and develop a prevention plan accordingly.