Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens - the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images, it can develop in one or both of your eyes. However, in most cases — except for those caused by injury or trauma — cataracts tend to develop symmetrically in both eyes. A cataract may or may not affect the entire lens.
There is no single cause of cataract (the clouding of the eye's lens). A number of risk factors seem to have an impact. There are some risks that can be reduced by a change in lifestyle, and some that can't. Sightsavers is raising awareness of the risks, and providing treatment where possible.
When your eyes work properly, light passes through the cornea (the protective dome of clear tissue over the front of your eye) and the pupil (the hole in the center of your eye) to the lens. The lens is located just behind the iris (the colored part of your eye) and the pupil. It's shaped thicker in the middle and thinner near the edges. Tiny ligaments, which are bands of tough tissue fiber, hold it in place. The lens focuses light that passes through the cornea and pupil, producing clear, sharp images on the retina — the light-sensitive membrane on the back inside wall of your eyeball that functions like the film of a camera. As a cataract develops, the lens becomes clouded, which scatters the light and prevents a sharply defined image from reaching your retina. As a result, your vision becomes blurred.
The first solution the eye doctor will give is surgery. Surgery is the only way to fix the problem; or so you have been told. They will wait until the cataract is big enough to remove with surgery. The whole left in the eye will be replaced with a plastic lens so you can see once again. This process is expensive and may only work for a short while before coming back in another area of the eye or the other eye.
The number one cause of cataracts is stress. Most people who get cataracts have gone through some seriously stressful situations or life a high stress life. They never take the time to relax and are always on the go. Another cause is a poor diet, high in cholesterol and carbohydrates and low in vitamins and fruits or vegetables.
You can reduce the risk of cataracts today by learning to relax the eyes and eating a more healthy diet. Choose foods that are high in Vitamins A-E and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat. Try to live a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, no smoking, and little to no alcohol consumption.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and mental strain. Find the time to exercise at least every 5-6 days; even a brisk walk around the block is better than nothing. Take some time for yourself and relax. Lie out in the sun after work and close your eyes for 10-15 minutes as often as possible. Move things off the ‘to do’ list that can wait and don’t require immediate attention. Learn to say ‘no’ and try not to take on more than you can handle.
Avoiding stress and strain in your life can help improve your eyesight naturally. Cataracts are caused from too much strain and living a stressful live, so do your eyes a favor and relax.
Take the first step to make your eyesight improve without glasses, contact lenses or expensive surgery here:
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