Can cataracts be prevented?

Preventative measures are not too dissimilar from eye care recommendations to preserve vision either in place of surgery or post-operatively.

It is important to always protect the eyes from ultraviolet B rays, stop smoking (if applicable), reduce alcohol consumption (if applicable), avoid sunlamps or tanning booths, eat a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and maintain a healthy weight, as well as keep regular eye exam check-ups and appointments with an optometrist or GP for overall health monitoring (especially if other existing medical conditions, like diabetes, exist). If it is necessary for a person to use steroid medications on a chronic basis, it is important that a treating doctor performs regular checks and ensures optimum health on a frequent basis.

These measures won’t necessarily prevent cataracts, but they are believed to help to lower risk or slow down their development or progression (growth).