Cataracts are formed by protein build-up in the eyes, reducing the ability for light to enter your retinas. This causes vision to become blocked or hazy, making it harder to see. Anyone can develop cataracts, but according to the eye doctors on staff at Staarmann Family Vision Center in Fairfield, OH, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of cataracts and other eye health problems.

Below, they share their top three most effective cataract prevention tips:

• Watch What You Eat: When it comes to avoiding sickness and diseases of all kinds, proper diet and exercise are always the first lines of defense. According to eye doctors, cataracts are no different. Plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially greens like spinach and kale, are great for eye health because they are packed with key vitamins and protective antioxidants. Foods that are rich in beneficial fatty acids, like fish and avocados, also help keep eyes healthy and sharp.
• Protect Your Eyes: When it comes to getting too much of a good thing, the sun is a perfect example. Healthy amounts of sunshine give your body the vitamin D it needs, but too much can cause damage. If you wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from UV rays, cataracts will be less likely to form.
• Monitor Your Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle habits can degrade your eye health. From a workplace that requires you to stare at a screen all day to excessive use of your smartphone or tablet, your eyes are vulnerable to incurring significant damage. To avoid the development of cataracts, take a 20-second break for every 20 minutes that you’re looking at a screen.

To catch the development of cataracts early, regular check-ups from the eye doctor are extremely important. In Fairfield, OH, locals trust the team of optometrists at Staarmann Family Vision Center for all their eye health needs. From vision tests to surgery consultations, these professionals are ready to help you keep your vision sharp for life. Call (513) 874-1718 to make an appointment or visit them online to find out more about their team.