Cataract Prevention
Author: Sherman Winston Reeves, M.D., M.P.H.

Prognosis (How cataracts will affect vision over the long-term):
Early cataracts may cause little, if any, change in the vision or visual symptoms. As the cataracts develop and become more advanced, the sharpness of vision may gradually decline and glare, color changes or distorted vision may occur. Extremely advanced cataracts my limit vision severely, allowing only blurry motion of objects or lights very close to the face to be perceived. Cataracts typically do not cause permanent damage to the eye, and can easily be removed even when they are advanced. However, extremely advanced cataracts can be more difficult to remove, causing greater risk to other parts of the eye during surgery. Very rarely, extremely advanced cataracts can cause severe eye inflammation and very high eye pressure, requiring urgent removal.

Prevention of cataracts:
Though most age-related cataracts develop without any specific, scientists have identified several risk factors that may cause cataracts to form in some people. Long term exposure to UV-B light, such as sunlight, can accelerate cataract formation. Hence, people who work or spend a lot of time outdoors should wear UV protective sunglasses. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing cataracts. Here is yet another reason to stop smoking! Recent evidence has also suggested that good nutrition may help prevent cataract formation. Some studies have seen beneficial effects of vitamin supplementation with vitamins C, E and carotenoids. Currently, however, scientists are still not certain that vitamin supplements definitely prevent cataract formation.