It isn't possible to prevent cataracts. However, you can reduce the risk of them developing.
As well as your age, the following factors may increase your risk of developing a cataract:
- a history of cataracts in your family
- smoking
- lifestyle factors, such as a poor diet
- overexposing your eyes to sunlight
- taking steroid medicines (medicines that contain powerful chemicals called hormones) for a long time
- certain health conditions, such as diabetes
You can help to reduce your risk of cataracts by wearing sunglasses and a hat with a peak or wide brim to protect your eyes from the sun. Use a pair of sunglasses with a CE mark, UV400 label or that offer 100% UV protection.
Quitting smoking
If you decide to stop smoking, your GP will be able to refer you to an NHS Stop Smoking Service, which will provide you with dedicated help and advice about the best ways to give up smoking. You can also call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 022 4332 (7am to 11pm). The specially trained helpline staff will be able to offer you free expert advice and encouragement.
If you're committed to giving up smoking but you don't want to be referred to a stop-smoking service, your GP should be able to prescribe medical treatment to help with any withdrawal symptoms that you may experience after giving up.
For more information about giving up smoking, see treatment for quitting smoking and stop smoking.
Diet
A healthy, balanced diet is important for your general health, including the health of your eyes. Eating a healthy diet can't prevent cataracts, but some experts think that:
- a poor diet may increase your risk of developing age-related cataracts
- a healthy diet may slow down the growth of age-related cataracts
As part of your healthy diet, eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
Read more information about eating a balanced and healthy diet.
Eye tests
It's important to have your eyes tested regularly by an optometrist (a specialist who examines eyes and tests sight), even if you don't wear glasses.
Read our NHS opticians FAQ about eye tests.
In general, it's advisable to have your eyes tested every two years. This enables cataracts to be picked up early, as well as any other eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (a painless eye condition where you gradually lose the ability to see what is directly in front of you).
Diabetes and cataracts
People with diabetes (a long-term condition caused by too much glucose in the blood) tend to develop cataracts at an earlier age than others. This is because the high levels of glucose in their blood can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs, causing a number of complications.
If you have diabetes, follow your GP's healthcare advice carefully. This will help to reduce your risk of developing cataracts, as well as other eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy (a condition that damages the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina at the back of the eye).
