The use of sunglasses and key, healthy life habits in the prevention of cataract

-The solar overexposure, diabetes, smoking and eye injuries, major factors that accelerate the formation of cataracts

-cataract is a progressive condition that reduces the quality of life of people potentially active age. Affects 47% of the population in Spain

Barcelona, March 2012.- healthy life habits and the use of certified sunglasses that protect us from ultraviolet rays of Sun and excessive light, can help prevent and delay the formation of cataracts, according to Dr. Antonio Arguedas, ophthalmologist of ophthalmic USP of Barcelona. Considered that some of the factors that accelerate the formation of cataracts are overexposure to the Sun, diabetes, smoking, prolonged use of cortisone, injury to the eye and the myopia that exceed the 7 diopters, among others.

The reduction of the thickness of the ozone layer is related to the increase in diseases of the eye such as cataracts that this layer serves as a shield to protect the Earth against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Therefore, it is advisable to measure the time to which we are exposed to the Sun and also the use of sunglasses to protect from UV rays.

Short-sighted people with more than 7 diopters are more likely to develop cataracts. Says Dr. Arguedas: A way to delay its onset is through food, since our eyes need vitamins and trace elements. For example, recommended foods containing vitamin A: carrot, tomato, vegetables; Vitamin E (anti-oxidant): Apple, tomato, asparagus; Vitamin C (antioxidant): fruits, tomato; Vitamin B2: vegetables; Lutein – spinach, tomato, vegetables ”.

Diabetes is often a direct cause of cataracts. Is recommended that people with diabetes undergo an ophthalmological review once a year to diagnose early cataracts ”, points out Dr. Arguedas.

When an injury has occurred in the eye, as for example a trauma, please go to the ophthalmologist once a year to monitor the evolution of the injury.

In conclusion, the use of certified sunglasses, balanced diet and periodically visit to the eye is recommended to prevent or delay the onset of cataracts.

Cataract is the opacification of the lens, which prevents the correct passage of rays of light to the interior of the eye resulting in a blurred image. The increase in life expectancy has led to a substantial increase in the prevalence of cataracts, a disease associated with the aging process in Spain affecting more than 47% of the population. specifically, its prevalence is 50% between 65 and 74 years, and 70 per cent above the age of 75.

About USP ophthalmic
USP ophthalmic of Barcelona, ophthalmic surgical center with more than four decades devoted to the eye health, has launched a social programme to facilitate access to cataract surgery to patients with limited resources. The objective of this programme is to offer special rates to those affected by this disease, which is associated with the aging process that greatly reduces the quality of life, and which by the current economic environment cannot access the normal rates.

About USP hospital

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Madrid, USP hospital is the first hospital private group in the Spanish market. Currently, USP hospital boasts a network of 12 hospitals, 23 health centres and 4,000 doctors annually serving more than two million patients.