Cataract prevention

[Ceto]

The optician told me at a recent check-up that I have the beginnings of cataracts. He didn't seem bothered and said that I didn't need to be referred for any treatment. But does anyone have any recommendations for how to prevent them getting worse? In case it's relevant, I've worn glasses since I was around 7 and have bad astigmatism.

How old are you? If you're blue eyed and shortsighted you are more likely to develop cataracts early.

Cataracts are a normal end stage in the development of the crystalline lens, which is the structure in the eye that lets you see things both close to and far away. As you age, it becomes less flexible and you lose this ability and people end up needed varifocals/reading glasses. That's why your optician wasn't that worried.

UB exposure and also smoking can also make them develop more quickly - so sunglasses and quitting smoking is a good idea.

There is a little evidence that some anti-oxidants can reduced cataract formation too. Having a healthy diet that is full of vegetables/fruits or taking one if the eye supplements may help.

He can probably see the beginnings of something which isnt yet affecting your vision. Wear good quality sunglasses. I think contact lenses are good in this respect as they have built in uv filters :)