Blog Layout

The Risk Factors for Developing Cataracts

Admin | Sep 26, 2019
Your eyes are very delicate organs that are easily harmed by things like sunlight and injury. The world looks different to people with less-than-normal vision, including those living with cataracts. Cataracts are a condition characterized by a clouding in the normally clear lens of your eye. Seeing things through cloudy lenses is like looking through a fogged-up window, which makes it difficult to drive a vehicle, read and see the expression on people’s faces.

There are several factors that contribute to a person’s risk of developing cataracts, ranging from genetics to lifestyle. It’s also important to know what you can do to protect your eyes from this condition. Read on for more information!

Cataracts risk factors

Most cataracts develop slowly over time and tend to not interfere with a person’s eyesight in the early stages. However, cataracts will eventually have an effect on your vision. Stay alert if you or a loved one has any of the following categories of cataracts risk factors in Chillicothe, OH:
  • Age: Older people are more prone to developing cataracts compared to younger populations. In fact, approximately 60 percent of people diagnosed with cataracts are over the age of 70.
  • Genetics: Of course genetics is on this list. A family history of cataracts increases your risk of this eye condition. If this sounds like you, it’s important that you inform your eye doctor.
  • Diseases: Some diseases that impact eye health include diabetes, high blood pressure and other health conditions. Get your eyes checked often if you’ve been diagnosed with a contributing disease.
  • Lifestyle: If you’re a heavy smoker, consume excessive amounts of alcohol, are obese or are a steroid user, your eyes are going to be more susceptible to developing cataracts.
  • Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight—including looking at the sun—without wearing proper UV protection is another risk factor.
  • Existing eye issues: Any eye health issues like inflammation, eye injuries and various types of eye diseases can make a person more prone to other eye problems, such as cataracts.

How to prevent cataracts (or slow their progression)

While there’s no actual proof that cataracts can be prevented or slowed, eye doctors believe in taking preventative action. Here’s what you can do:
  • Get regular eye exams: People with higher risks of developing this eye condition should schedule annual eye exams so they can get ahead of any problems that might arise.
  • Wear sunglasses: Proper sunglasses can block UV sunlight from your eyes when you’re outside year-round.
  • Lifestyle changes: This includes quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and eating a healthy diet made up mainly of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meat or other healthy protein options.
  • Manage health issues: If you have diabetes or other medical conditions, follow your treatment plan to reduce your risk of cataracts.
As you can see, the list of cataracts risk factors in Chillicothe, OH is not exactly short. If you are looking for a new eye clinic, look no further than Price Family Eye Care Professionals LLC. Our team of experienced eye health professionals is here to help you and your family. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Can Your Diet Impact Your Eyesight?

By Writer • 21 Jan, 2020
Maintaining a healthy diet benefits your body across the board. With the right fruits, vegetables and proteins, you’ll look better, feel better and potentially live longer.

How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?

By Writer • 28 Dec, 2019
For years, corrective lens wearers who needed two different prescriptions were stuck with traditional glasses. Then came the development of bifocal contacts.

Contacts or Glasses: Which Is Better?

By Writer • 14 Dec, 2019
Across the country, more than three-quarters of Americans experience some form of vision problem that requires corrective help. Of course, once the prescription

Does Winter Weather Affect Your Eyes?

By Writer • 27 Nov, 2019
Whether you love the winter or you’re already holding out for spring and summer, it’s important to understand how winter weather can affect your health. Col

Why Does Smoke Hurt Your Eyes?

By Writer • 13 Nov, 2019
There are numerous health risks associated with smoking, from heart disease and cancer risks to dental deterioration and rapid skin aging. On top of all of those well-known side effects, smoking can also negatively affect eye health in several ways. If you or a loved one smokes, it’s important to understand the associated risks to ensure the best long-term health outcomes possible, and schedule an appointment with an eye doctor in Lancaster, OH if you have any concerns.

Things You Do Every Day That Could Be Hurting Your Eyes

By Admin • 26 Sep, 2019
Your eyes assist you in many of your day-to-day tasks and activities, which is why it’s important to care for them and protect them from harm. The best ways to prevent eye issues are easier to do than you might think. Do some research, and don’t forget to book an eye exam. Here are a few things you should stop doing if you want to protect your vision and prevent eye issues in Chillicothe, OH.

How Can I Prevent Eye Damage from My Computer?

By Writer • 18 Sep, 2019
People are more attached to their electronic devices than ever before. Even when we’re not sitting in front of a computer screen for work, we spend a lot of time using phones, tablets and other digital devices for a wide variety of everyday tasks.

Some of the Latest Advancements in Eye Care

By Writer • 04 Sep, 2019
Hundreds of millions of people across the world suffer from vision difficulties. The good news is that there have been some tremendous advances in eye care made in recent years, to the point where access to vision-saving technology is more widespread than ever before.

An Optometrist in Lancaster, OH Explains Visual Acuity

By Writer • 14 Aug, 2019
Your vision helps you experience the world around you to the fullest extent, so it’s important to ensure that your eyes are kept as healthy as possible. In addition to maintaining healthy eating habits and protecting your eyes from excessive stress and strain, it’s important to take additional precautions, including things like vision screening. Vision screening measures a variety of things, including your visual acuity, but a lot of people don’t know exactly what visual acuity is. Read on to learn more about visual acuity and why it’s so important to have an optometrist in Lancaster, OH conduct an occasional test.
Share by: