Recently when Tejas, in his late 20s, was inquired as to whether he knows about Cataract or Motiyabind, he nonchalantly replied, “It happens in only older individuals.” That’s the way by which some young population like Tejas between 23 to 38 see about this eye issue. Although cataract is usually perceived as a condition of the older population, one can’t overlook the fact that there is also the likelihood of younger individuals developing the cataract. Apart from age, other potential causes of cataracts include:
- Diabetes
- Trauma to the eye
- Use of steroidal medications
- High nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Pre-existing eye diseases like uveitis, keratitis
- Family history, weight, and smoking
- Excessive consumption of liquor
- Chronic exposure to bright sunlight
As cataract develops from oxidative changes in the clear crystalline lens of human eye, according to some researchers, anti-oxidative medications can to an extent delay the progression of cataract. Common sources of antioxidants are-
- Vitamin E – Pine nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach and broccoli
- Leafy, and green vegetables
- Nutrients like beta-carotene and nutrient C
- Foods that have omega-3 unsaturated fats like seeds, fish and nuts