How to Reverse Cataracts: What Seniors in McKinney Should Know
Seniors account for approximately 73% of all cases of avoidable vision loss. It affects approximately 800 million older people today, rising to 1.28 billion by 2050.
Cataracts and aging have the clearest connection. They cause 94 million cases of blindness or mild to severe vision impairment in those 50 and older.
McKinney, TX, is full of beautiful sights, from tree-lined streets to a historic downtown. Missing the activities and events the area offers would be a shame.
Read on to learn how to reverse cataracts and support eyes in senior living in McKinney, TX.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are one of the most common aging eye conditions. They occur due to a buildup of protein in the lens. These protein clumps cause it to get cloudier.
Eventually, they cause vision changes such as:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Dulled or changed colors
- Colored halos near light
- Sensitivity to glare
- Frequent eyeware prescription changes
You may have no symptoms initially, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't seek immediate care. Cataracts are a progressive condition. They get worse over time if they're not dealt with early.
Efforts to Discover How to Reverse Cataracts Naturally
Is there an effective way to stop cataracts from progressing? What can you do to eliminate them once diagnosed?
There is no scientifically proven way to reverse cataracts naturally. Surgery is the most definitive solution. A few other methods have been proposed or studied, but they lack reliable results.
Antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Certain sources also suggest that a healthy diet full of antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cataracts or help slow their progression.
The results of these studies are limited. They aren't widespread or repeatable enough to show that antioxidants can reverse cataracts naturally.
Vitamins
Several vitamins are known to help improve eye health, including:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Beta carotene
Not everyone gets enough of these essential vitamins in their diet. Taking supplements of these vitamins can help improve senior vision health.
Studies don't suggest that they're magic pills in the search for finding out how to reverse cataracts naturally. Studies provide conflicting results as to whether they do anything to prevent or treat age-related cataracts.
Home Remedies
It seems there isn't any health condition without a natural home remedy that claims to cure it. Natural home remedies for cataracts include:
- Aloe vera
- Garlic
- Rose water
No scientific evidence supports any of these claims. They may not do any harm, but don't expect to see any more clearly.
Specialized Eye Drops
Most eye conditions are treated with drops, and the search for cataract cures beyond surgery is going in that direction as well. Specialized eye drops for cataract reversal are being developed and examined.
One type of eyedrop contained NACA. It's an antioxidant that has been shown to help prevent and reverse cell damage. Another type contained oxysterol, a derivative of cholesterol.
Scientists have released preliminary studies on these eye drops, but most focus on their effects on mice. None are FDA-approved yet.
Cataract Treatment Options
The most effective, proven form of cataract treatment is surgery. The clouded lens gets removed and replaced with a new one.
Extracapsular procedures involve removing the lens with one large incision. A similar procedure, known as phacoemulsification, uses ultrasound waves to break down the lens before removal.
There are also options beyond the standard, clearer lens. The surgeon can install non-standard lenses such as:
- Multifocal
- Toric
- Extended range
These lenses can correct astigmatism and provide a wider range of vision.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is another option. It uses lasers for precise incisions and faster recovery.
Regardless of the method used, cataract surgery is the most effective method for treating cataracts.
The surgery is outpatient and minimally invasive. Recovery times are short, and the entire procedure is almost painless.
It also has a high success rate and a low risk of complications. Approximately 70-80% of surgeries result in significant vision improvement.
Preventing and Managing Eye Damage
The scientific world hasn't figured out how to reverse cataracts, but it has found ways to manage the early symptoms they create.
Maintain a healthy diet that contributes to eye health. That means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Even if it can't reverse cataracts, it can lengthen the time it takes for them to form.
If you're a senior and haven't given up smoking yet, now is the time. It damages the eyes. Not only that, but it also increases the risk of cataracts and other age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration.
Keep your eyes protected from the harmful effects of UV radiation. They'll damage your eyes over time and increase your risk of developing cataracts. Wear sunglasses and a hat every time you go out in the sun, and seek shade after long days.
Get regular eye care in McKinney that includes a professional eye exam at least every two years. They will keep your prescriptions up to date. They'll also notice the first signs of cataracts so they can be treated before they progress.
Use brighter lighting at home. It helps counteract the effects that the cataracts are having on your vision.
Lighting is the first part of maintaining an environment that's comfortable and easy to get around in. You should not have to strain your eyes or risk tripping over obstacles.
Independent living in McKinney, TX, makes this easier. They'll keep your environment clean and tidy so that, no matter where you are, you can always see a path forward.
See Yourself as Part of The Chateu McKinney Community Today
The long scientific search to find out how to reverse cataracts has come to one conclusion. Surgery is the most effective way to get rid of them forever. They're often a part of aging, but a healthy lifestyle helps manage the symptoms.
Chateau McKinney offers seniors the perfect balance between freedom and support. Residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle and regular meals. They can go where they want and get support when needed.
The Chateau McKinney community is nestled in a beautiful neighborhood with serene walking grounds and spacious apartments. Contact us for a tour today.