As age increases, the incidence of cataracts gradually increases, and many people begin to face reduced vision. According to the World Health Organization, cataracts cause 51% of blindness cases in the world and are the leading cause of visual impairment. In this article, we'll look at how age affects the development of cataracts, as well as ways to prevent and treat them.
Cataracts are cloudy clouds in the lens of the eye, causing vision loss. The process is usually slow and can affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms include faded colors, blurred or double vision, halos around light sources, sensitivity to bright light, and difficulty seeing at night.
It is reported that the proportion of cataract blindness in some areas is as high as 60%, which makes people have to pay attention to the relationship between age factors and the disease.
Age is one of the main causes of cataract development. Over time, the lens' proteins denature and degrade, a process that is accelerated in conditions such as diabetes. In addition, multiple studies have shown that environmental factors, such as ultraviolet rays, toxins, radiation in sunlight, etc., can have a cumulative impact on the lens and promote the formation of cataracts.
In addition to age, there are several risk factors that may accelerate the formation of cataracts. This includes behaviors such as diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroids, smoking, prolonged sun exposure and alcohol consumption.
Research indicates that smoking is closely related to the development of cataracts, and irregular vitamin C intake may also increase the risk of this disease.
A professional eye exam is key to diagnosing cataracts. If symptoms are mild, vision can be improved by wearing glasses. Then, if symptoms worsen, surgery becomes the only effective treatment. A common surgical procedure is cataract removal, and patients’ quality of life often improves significantly after surgery.
While there is no sure way to completely prevent cataracts, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and hats, eating antioxidant-rich foods, and avoiding smoking are all effective preventive measures.
As we age, the likelihood of facing cataracts increases. Understanding its causes and risk factors can help us take action to prevent it in advance and improve our vision. How will you choose to protect your eyesight?