On a leisurely weekend afternoon, Grandma Lee sits in her favorite rocking chair, ready to enjoy the most anticipated moment of her week – reading her newly bought novel. However, she noticed that the handwriting had become blurry, and even with the lights and glasses adjusted, the text still seemed to be distorted by water waves. She was confused and frustrated because reading had always been her hobby. It's not just a problem with presbyopia. In fact, Grandma Lee may be experiencing a common but often overlooked health problem – cataracts.
Cataract is a common disease that affects our vision, especially in middle-aged and elderly people. It creeps in and invades, gradually depriving us of our window to interact with the world – our eyes. However, many people are not aware of cataracts enough and are not even aware of them when symptoms appear.
Cataracts: Your eyes also "age"
Basic knowledge of cataracts
What exactly is a cataract?
Cataract is not a stand-alone eye disease, but a natural change in the eye as we age. It is when the lens in the eyeball gradually becomes cloudy, resulting in decreased vision. The lens is originally clear and transparent, which helps focus the light, but over time, it may become opaque like frosted glass.
Why does the lens become cloudy?
The cloudiness of the lens is mainly due to protein denaturation. As we age, proteins in the eye gradually aggregate, forming small cloudy areas. These cloudy areas gradually enlarge and merge, eventually affecting vision. In addition, certain health problems, such as abnormal glucose metabolism (commonly known as diabetes) or increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries (i.e., hypertension), may also accelerate the clouding process of the lens.
Incidence of cataracts
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. According to statistics, almost everyone around the age of 70 will have some degree of lens opacity, which is a sign of cataracts. This means that cataracts are not a rare disease, but rather a natural process that is closely related to age.
Can cataracts be prevented?
While it is almost impossible to completely avoid the aging of the lens, there are a few things that can be done to slow its progression. Maintaining healthy lifestyle Xi, such as eating right, avoiding excessive exposure to bright light, and controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure, can help delay the formation of cataracts.
Identify 6 typical symptoms of cataracts
1. Blurred vision: the first sign of cataracts
When the lens begins to cloud, your world becomes more and more like seeing through matte glass. This blurred vision is the first and most common symptom of cataracts. This blurring is not explained by ordinary presbyopia, but is caused by a decrease in the transparency of the lens.
2. Day and night: Oversensitivity to light
People with cataracts often find themselves unusually sensitive to light sources such as bright lights during the day or at night. This is due to the clouding of the lens, which scatters light, making it difficult for the eye to adapt to rapidly changing light conditions.
3. Difficulty in night vision: a challenge in the dark
In low-light environments, such as walking or reading at night, people with cataracts may notice a significant decrease in their vision. This symptom usually indicates that the lens is cloudy to the point where it needs to be treated.
4. Color Distortion: The colored world becomes pale
Cataracts can change the world of color in your eyes. Colors that were originally bright can become dull and the colors become less saturated, making the surroundings look less vibrant.
5. Shadow overlap: Double shadows appear in one eye
An unusual but critical symptom is the sight of overlapping shadows in the monocular field of vision. This dual vision may interfere with daily life such as reading and driving.
6. Frequent change of glasses: Persistent vision changes
As cataracts progress, you may find yourself needing to constantly change your glasses prescription. This is because the constant changes in the lens affect your refraction, resulting in constant changes in your vision.
8 key measures to prevent cataracts
1. Regular eye exams: Keep your vision safe
Regular eye exams are the first step in preventing cataracts. This not only helps to detect the signs of cataracts early, but also to detect other potential eye problems in a timely manner. A comprehensive eye exam is recommended at least once a year, especially for adults over the age of 40.
2. Eye-friendly diet: Nutrition is the eye's best friend
A diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene is essential to prevent cataracts. Eating more dark green vegetables, fruits, and antioxidant-rich foods, such as citrus fruits and nuts, can help fight eye aging.
3. Wear UV-blocking glasses: Build a line of defense for your eyes
Prolonged exposure to UV rays may accelerate eye aging and increase the risk of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses with a high level of UV protection can effectively block these harmful rays.
4. Control blood sugar: Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Abnormal glucose metabolism (often referred to as diabetes) is directly linked to the development of cataracts. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and controlling blood sugar through proper diet and regular exercise are essential to prevent cataracts.
5. Avoid smoking: Tobacco is the enemy of the eye
Smoking not only causes damage to the lungs, but also accelerates the aging process of the eyes and increases the risk of cataracts. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing cataracts.
6. Use electronic devices in moderation: Protect your eyes from blue light
Staring at a computer screen or cell phone for long periods of time can increase the burden on your eyes, especially blue light exposure. Limiting the use of electronic devices and resting your eyes regularly can help reduce the risk of cataracts.
7. Replenish antioxidants: Strengthens the eye's self-defenses
Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, are essential for fighting oxidative damage in the eye. Supplementing with these antioxidants in moderation can be achieved through food or appropriate supplements.
8. Maintain an appropriate weight: Weight is closely related to eye health
Maintaining a healthy weight is just as important to prevent cataracts. Obesity can lead to increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries and problems with glucose metabolism, which in turn increases the risk of cataracts. Maintain your ideal weight with a balanced diet and moderate exercise.