How Do You Stop Cataracts From Growing? 

Dr.Prashaant Chaudhry, 3 mins read

Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that causes blurred or hazy vision, reduced color intensity, and sensitivity to light. It happens when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. They usually grow slowly with age, but some habits and health problems can make them worsen faster. While cataracts cannot be reversed without surgery, we can slow their growth by taking good care of our eyes and overall health.

Below are the best ways to prevent cataracts from getting worse:

1. Protect Your Eyes From Sunlight: UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun speed up cataract growth. We should wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection and wear a wide-brim hat when outside. Avoid going in direct sunlight during peak hours (11 AM to 4 PM).
2. Control Diabetes and Blood Sugar: High sugar levels damage the lens of the eye and make cataract grow faster. We should keep blood sugar under control and diabetic person should take diabetes medicines regularly. We should do exercise daily and eat a low-sugar and balanced diet.
3. Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the biggest causes of early cataracts.  Quitting slows down eye damage and protects vision.
4. Reduce Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can speed up cataract formation.  Try to cut down or avoid alcohol completely.
5. Eat Eye-Friendly Foods: While antioxidant supplements have not shown to be effective in slowing down cataracts, increasing the following foods in your diet may help slow down cataract formation. 

• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
• Carrots and sweet potatoes
• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemon)
• Berries
• Almonds and walnuts
• Fish rich in omega-3 (salmon, tuna)
  

These foods contain antioxidants like vitamin A, C, E and lutein, which support eye health.

6. Manage Health Conditions: Certain conditions can speed up cataract, they are:

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Long-term steroid use
• Eye injuries

7. Avoid Excessive Screen Exposure Without Breaks: Screens do not cause cataracts, but eye strain can worsen discomfort. Follow the 20-20-20 rule - Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
8. Use Proper Lighting: Poor lighting makes eyes work harder. Use bright, warm light for reading and daily tasks.
9. Go for Regular Eye Check-ups: Eye doctors can monitor the cataract and suggest the right time for surgery.  Early check-ups help prevent complications.
10. Don’t worry, be happy. Stress has been shown to increase ageing effects and may speed up cataract formation. Regular meditation and bring energy from the food with healthy chemicals which delay ageing chnages like cataract.
11. When Needed, Cataract Surgery Is the Only Permanent Cure.

Take Away!

If cataract starts affecting daily life, blurred vision, glare, difficulty driving at night, surgery is the safest and most effective treatment.  It is quick, painless, and gives excellent results in patients.  We cannot stop cataract completely, but you can definitely slow them down with sun protection, healthy diet, no smoking, limited alcohol, managing diabetes and blood pressure and with regular eye check ups. If you have any doubt related to cataract, you can visit Aakash Healthcare and consult our Ophthalmologist experts for best care and guidance. 

Also Read: Best Hospital for Cataract Surgery in Delhi