Cataracts are one of the most common age-related vision conditions, impacting more than half of Americans over the age of 65. They result in a clouding of your eye’s lens, which will eventually lead to deterioration in your vision and if left untreated, can cause blindness. While the condition is easily corrected with cataract surgery, there are several steps you can take to help prevent cataracts from developing.
The following tips will help you prevent the formation of cataracts as you get older:
- Take a good multivitamin every day — A Physician’s Health Study found that taking a multivitamin with high concentrations of antioxidants reduces your risk of cataracts by 27%.
- Take vitamin A and vitamin C supplements — Vitamin A and vitamin C are rich in antioxidants which become concentrated in the eyes and curb the development of free radicals. Daily doses of 5,000 IU of vitamin A and 2,500 mg of vitamin C are ideal for promoting optimal levels of eye health.
- Take lots of lutein and zeaxanthin — A 2008 study found a link between high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and a 33% reduction in the risk of cataracts. To achieve this benefit, take 15-30 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin every day.
- Take bilberry — Bilberry increases the blood flow to your eyes’ vascular system, which improves capillary wall and tissue strength in the eyes. A study involving 50 cataracts patients found that taking at least 30 mg of a bilberry extract stemmed the progression of cataracts in 97% of patients.
If you’ve already started developing cataracts, Dr. Chris Walton can help. He uses the LenSx® system, which is the most advanced laser cataract surgery technology available. This technology, combined with some of the most advanced premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) available, ensure exceptional results that will restore clear, sharp vision.
Please contact Dr. Chris Walton using the form at the right side of the page or call 251-341-3385 today to schedule a cataract surgery consultation. We serve patients in Mobile, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, and throughout the Gulf Coast region.