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Cataracts Doesn't Just Affect The Elderly: 3 Steps To Reduce Your Chances Of Developing Early-Onset Cataracts

Cataracts are an eye disease that affects about 22 million Americans. While it used to be a vision problem associated with aging, it's now affecting young people as well. Luckily, diagnostic tools are able to catch the disease at an earlier stage in development, which makes it easier to treat. It's also possible to prevent early-onset cataracts. Here are three steps you can take to keep your vision healthy and reduce your chances of developing cataracts at an earlier age.

Protect Your Eyes

If you spend a lot of time outside, the UV rays could be damaging your eyes. Studies show that UV rays can speed up the formation of cataracts in your eyes. To help prevent early-onset cataracts, you should keep your eyes shielded from the sun whenever you go outside. First, always wear sunglasses when you're outside. Secondly, try to wear a wide-brimmed hat while you're in the sun. Finally, try to limit the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight.

Avoid Smoking

If you smoke, and you want to protect your eyes, you might want to start a smoking cessation program. Smoking can damage your eyes and lead to early-onset cataracts. Studies show that heavy smokers—those who smoke at least 15 cigarettes a day—are about three times more likely to develop cataracts than those who do not smoke. In addition to cataracts, the same studies show that smokers are about three to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, another vision disease. Reduce your chances of developing cataracts, and other vision diseases, by quitting smoking.

Limit Cell Phone Use

If you use your cell phone in your car and other confined spaces, you might be increasing your chances of developing early-onset cataracts. Studies show that your eyes absorb electromagnetic radiation. When you use your cell phone in confined areas, the heat transmitted from electromagnetic radiation increases in intensity, which can damage your eyes. To protect your eyes, limit your cell phone usage and keep your handset as far away from your eyes as possible.

If you're young, you might think that you're not in danger of developing cataracts. Unfortunately, that's not entirely true. The tips provided above will help you reduce your chances of developing early-onset cataracts. For other tips on how to keep your vision healthy, be sure to speak to an optometrist like those at Budget Optical. In addition, be sure to have your vision checked at least once every two years. 


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