How Can I Prevent Cataracts?

Some eye problems include impaired visual function, red eyes without vision, and red eyes with diminished vision. Rubbing your eyes, staring too closely at the TV or monitor, or reading while lying down can all cause these problems. The most frequent eye illness was cataracts.

According to the results of the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey conducted by the Association of Indonesian Ophthalmologists (Perdami) and Balitbangkes in 15 provinces in 2020, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in those aged 50 and over.

The figure reaches almost 81%. Cataracts cause blindness in an estimated 1.3 million Indonesians and almost 40 million people worldwide (WHO data in 2020).

The majority of cataracts are age-related. It is typical for young people to have clear eye lenses. However, around the age of 40, proteins in the eye's lens begin to degrade and clump together.

These clots cause the lens to become hazy, a condition known as a cataract. Years of sun exposure aggravate the problem.

Cataracts are also caused by certain disorders, including diabetes and steroid use. One or two eyes may be injured. This is known as a traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop immediately after an accident or several years later.

However, cataracts do not simply affect the elderly. Congenital cataracts can occur in some newborns. Some congenital cataracts have little effect on vision, but in others, they might be so severe that they must be removed.

Some persons have a higher chance of acquiring cataracts if they have

• family history of cataracts;
• diabetes;
• smoke;
• frequent exposure to sunshine;
• radiotherapy for cancer;
• suffered an eye injury.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Initially, cataracts are asymptomatic. This is due to the slow pace of development. It might affect one or both eyes. But it isn't contagious, right? This means that cataracts in one eye will not spread to the healthy eye.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

1. Proteins in the eye's lens begin to degrade and clump together, decreasing the amount of light that passes through the retina and disturbing vision.
2. The eye's lens begins to fog. The color appears fading.
3. More sensitive to light or glare, such as lights or laptops.
4. Double vision. Begins to have trouble driving at night or seeing faces clearly.
5. Changing the focus of the eyes. Be cautious if you start replacing your glasses frequently. Your eyes may have cataracts.

How to treat

After detecting numerous symptoms, the doctor may conduct the following tests:

1. Visual acuity assessment. A standard eye chart test is used to assess vision skills at various distances.
2. Pupil dilation. Eye drops were used to dilate the pupil, allowing for a closer study of the retina.

In the early stages, cataract-related vision loss can be mitigated by replacing glasses, using a magnifying glass, or using brighter lighting. When these procedures fail, surgery is the only effective therapeutic option.

Never let cataracts impair your vision. The longer it is neglected, the worse the cataracts will become, eventually resulting in blindness. The next step is cataract surgery.

However, cataract surgery may result in problems such as:

1. Infection

Following surgery, some people become more light sensitive or have pain, redness, and visual issues. Infection, however, is quite rare. So don't worry.

2. Inflammation

Slight swelling and redness in the eyes following surgery are common. To combat this, the doctor administers eye drops.

3. Retinal detachment

Cataract surgery modestly raises the chance of retinal detachment.

4. Bleeding

A little bleeding is normal. However, excessive bleeding can cause blindness. This condition can be managed by lying in bed with your head upright.

5. Dysphotopsia

Dysphotopsia is classified into two types: positive and negative. Negative dysphotopsia is characterized by curved shadows at the borders of eyesight. 

Meanwhile, positive dysphotopsia is defined as seeing halos, flashes, starbursts, or lines of light. These effects may resolve on their own unless the dysphotopsia is negative. However, eye drops can provide relief.

How to prevent

In order not to experience cataracts, we can prevent them by:

• Protects the eyes from sunlight. Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from the sun.
• Protects the eyes from injury. For example, when doing activities using electrical equipment or certain sports, wear protective glasses to avoid injury.
• Quit smoking.

Apart from that, pay attention to your intake of vitamins and nutrients for better eye health.

1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Numerous studies have found that lutein and zeaxanthin lessen the incidence of chronic eye disorders. Dark green leafy vegetables, as well as other colorful fruits and vegetables, like broccoli, corn, peas, persimmons, and tangerines, are high in lutein and zeaxanthin.

2. Vitamin C

According to scientific research, vitamin C reduces the chance of acquiring cataracts and, when combined with other essential nutrients, can decrease the progression of age-related macular degeneration and loss of visual acuity. Include oranges, grapes, strawberries, papaya, green peppers, and tomatoes in your regular diet.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E protects eye cells from unstable chemicals known as free radicals, which can harm healthy tissue. Vegetable oils, almonds, and sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamin E.

4. Essential fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for vision development and appropriate retinal function. Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish are excellent providers of omega-3 fatty acids, which assist to reduce inflammation, enhance tear production, and nourish the oily outer layer of the eye.

5. Zinc

Zinc is essential for transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina, where it is converted into melanin, the eye's protective pigment. Zinc deficiency can cause impaired eyesight, including poor night vision and hazy cataracts. Natural sources of zinc include red meat, oysters, and other shellfish, as well as nuts and seeds.

The eyes are the window to the world. If you are having eye difficulties, visit GWS Medika clinic, health clinic in Jakarta, to seek help.