Preventing cataracts

Long-term exposure to ultra-violet radiation may be associated with the development of cataracts. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that filter out UVB rays from a young age slows the development of cataracts.

If you are over age 60, you should have an eye examination at least once a year.

Since a baby can develop cataracts if the mother has a German measles (rubella) infection during pregnancy, women who are considering pregnancy should be immunised before becoming pregnant if they don’t already have immunity. They should avoid contact with other people with rubella during pregnancy.

Reviewed by ophthalmologist Dr Viresh Dullabh, MBBCh (Wits) FC Ophth SA (CMSA) MMED (UKZN). September 2018.

Read more:

Symptoms of cataracts

Causes of cataracts

Treating cataracts