What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Cataracts?
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Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment, affecting millions of people worldwide. While they are often considered a natural part of aging, certain risk factors can accelerate their development or increase the likelihood of needing cataract surgery earlier in life. At Wang Vision Institute in Nashville, TN, world-renowned eye surgeon Dr. Ming Wang, Harvard & MIT (MD); PhD, and our skilled team provide advanced cataract treatments, helping patients preserve and restore their vision.
While it may not always be possible to avoid cataracts, understanding the primary risk factors for cataracts — like smoking, diabetes, lifestyle choices, and others — can help you make informed choices about your eye health and lifestyle habits to reduce risks of cataracts.
What causes cataracts?
Technically speaking, cataracts occur when the proteins in the eye's lens break down, leading to clouding and vision impairment. While cataracts develop naturally over time, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing them earlier or progressing more rapidly.
What are the main risk factors for cataracts?
Several lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors may contribute to the formation of cataracts. For the average person, risks for cataracts include:
- Aging
- Excessive UV exposure
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- High myopia (severe nearsightedness)
Can cataracts be prevented?
While cataracts may not be preventable, lifestyle changes and protective measures can help slow their development. Consider the following cataract prevention and cataract delay strategies to support long-term eye health:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful rays
- Quit smoking to prevent oxidative damage in the eye
- Maintain a balanced diet with antioxidant-rich foods like leafy greens and fish
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
- Limit alcohol intake to reduce unnecessary risks
- Schedule regular eye exams for early detection and monitoring
By following these steps, along with maintaining a regular schedule of annual eye exams (or the frequency recommended for your unique eye health), you can help delay cataract formation and preserve clear, healthy vision for longer.
How are cataracts removed?
If you've already developed cataracts, try not to worry. Modern advancements in cataract surgery offer safe, effective solutions that don't come with the downsides you may be expecting. At Wang Vision Institute, we are proud to be pioneers in laser-assisted cataract surgery, providing patients with the most precise, minimally invasive treatment options available today.
Our advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) allow patients to restore clear vision at multiple distances, even for those with astigmatism or presbyopia. With options like the Vivity Lens and Panoptix trifocal lens, our patients experience crisper, sharper vision with reduced dependency on glasses.
If you are one of the majority of people to develop cataracts in your lifetime, don't hesitate to call us to learn about our advanced cataract surgery options, including laser cataract surgery, to help you regain clearer vision and a restored quality of life overall.
Get the celebrity eye treatment with our options for advanced cataract surgery in Nashville, TN
Understanding your risk factors for cataracts can help you take proactive steps to protect your long-term vision. Whether you're looking to prevent cataracts or explore cutting-edge cataract treatments, our team at Wang Vision Institute is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Ming Wang, we provide state-of-the-art cataract surgery and vision care solutions for patients in Nashville, TN and surrounding areas.
Call our friendly team to schedule a comprehensive eye exam or cataract consultation today to discuss your cataract risk factors, vision concerns, and potential treatment options to help give you back the clear vision you deserve.