Cataract prevention can reduce need for surgery

Many people believe that developing cataracts is a natural part of aging, and while age is certainly a factor, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports that there are steps one can take to prevent or delay the condition.

According to the news source, one of the most effective ways to stave off cataracts is to eat healthy foods. Fresh vegetables and fruits that are full of vitamins C and E, along with whole grains and nuts, have been shown to protect lenses and improve eye health.

Along with diet, experts also stress the importance of keeping track of symptoms as they present themselves. Blurred vision and increased light sensitivity could both be signs of a larger problem if they are ignored. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is the best course of action, the news provider adds.

Cataracts are one of the most wide-spread vision problems in the United States, and are most commonly diagnosed in those over the age of 55. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that if their onset could be delayed by as little as 10 years, it would reduce the number of cataract removal surgeries by as much as 45 percent.