Cataracts
While the specific cause of cataracts are still unknown, studies have shown that some people may be at a greater risk for developing cataracts. Some of the risk factors include:
Currently, there is no proven way to prevent the development of cataracts other than controlling medical conditions that may be the cause. Antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins C and E have been identified as reducing the risk of developing cataracts and slowing their progression.
Diabetes-Related Eye Disease
Risk Factors
Diabetic retinopathy affects half of all Americans diagnosed with diabetes both type 1 (juvenile onset) and type II (adult onset).
Diabetic retinopathy can also show up in pregnant women who also have diabetes. All diabetic women who become pregnant should have dialated eye examinations in each trimester to protect their vision.
What You Can Do to Reduce Risk
The National Eye Institute urges all people with diabetes to have a dilated eye examination at least once a year. You should get your vision checked more often if you have more serious retinopathy.
A recent study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), showed that better control of blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and lessens the need for laser surgery for severe retinopathy.
Glaucoma
The risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, diabetes and myopia. Also African and Hispanic Americans have been shown to be at greater risk for developing glaucoma.
Studies show that those with high myopia may have abnormally thin corneas that cause intraocular pressure tests to return inaccurate results.
What You Can Do to Reduce Risk
Early detection is the best defense against glaucoma. Be sure to have regular eye examinations that include tests for glaucoma. Also, be sure to take any prescribed medications as directed. In addition, your eye doctor should monitor your optic nerve, visual fields and pressure levels.
Macular Degeneration
Risk Factors You Can't Control
To prevent macular degeneration quit smoking, eat a healthy, balanced diet and participate in regular exercise and recreation.
While the specific cause of cataracts are still unknown, studies have shown that some people may be at a greater risk for developing cataracts. Some of the risk factors include:
- Age - cataracts are more common in older people
- Excessive sunlight exposure - wearing sunglasses that block harmful UV rays may reduce your risk for developing cataracts
- Cigarette smoking - quitting smoking may reduce your risk for cataracts as well as a number of other serious diseases and disorders
- High cholesterol/triglycerides - eating a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat my help reduce cholesterol and reduce your risk for developing cataracts
- Diabetes - careful monitoring of diabetes can lower the risk cataract development later in life
- Other Eye Conditions - cataracts are often associated with myopia, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinopathy of prematurity
- Cortisone medication taken orally over a long period of time
- Eye injury
Currently, there is no proven way to prevent the development of cataracts other than controlling medical conditions that may be the cause. Antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins C and E have been identified as reducing the risk of developing cataracts and slowing their progression.
Diabetes-Related Eye Disease
Diabetic retinopathy affects half of all Americans diagnosed with diabetes both type 1 (juvenile onset) and type II (adult onset).
Diabetic retinopathy can also show up in pregnant women who also have diabetes. All diabetic women who become pregnant should have dialated eye examinations in each trimester to protect their vision.
What You Can Do to Reduce Risk
The National Eye Institute urges all people with diabetes to have a dilated eye examination at least once a year. You should get your vision checked more often if you have more serious retinopathy.
A recent study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), showed that better control of blood sugar levels slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and lessens the need for laser surgery for severe retinopathy.
Glaucoma
The risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, diabetes and myopia. Also African and Hispanic Americans have been shown to be at greater risk for developing glaucoma.
Studies show that those with high myopia may have abnormally thin corneas that cause intraocular pressure tests to return inaccurate results.
What You Can Do to Reduce Risk
Early detection is the best defense against glaucoma. Be sure to have regular eye examinations that include tests for glaucoma. Also, be sure to take any prescribed medications as directed. In addition, your eye doctor should monitor your optic nerve, visual fields and pressure levels.
Macular Degeneration
Risk Factors You Can't Control
- Age
- Race (Caucasians are at greater risk)
- Genetics
- Light eye color
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Poor nutrition
- Unprotected exposure to sunlight
- Excessive sugar and trans fats intake
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
To prevent macular degeneration quit smoking, eat a healthy, balanced diet and participate in regular exercise and recreation.
