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You might not want to have cataract surgery done right away when you discover that you have cataracts. While you'll need to eventually have surgery to permanently fix your cataract problem, there are a few behavioral changes you can make in the meantime that can slow the growth of cataracts.

The following are six behavioral changes to make to help prevent cataract growth.  

Avoid steroid eye drops

Some individuals take steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. Patients may take these eye drops if they suffer from arthritis or other conditions caused by inflammation. 

If you have been taking steroid eye drops, you may want to stop doing so after discovering that you have cataracts. Steroid eye drops can cause cataracts to grow faster in some patients. 

Protect your eyes from too much sunlight exposure

Sunlight exposure is never good for the eyes. However, it's especially bad for eyes that are afflicted with cataracts. If you enjoy being outside in the sun, you're going to have to learn to enjoy the outdoors while protecting your eyes if you have cataracts.

You should wear a hat that shades your eyes as well as sunglasses when outside if you have cataracts. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can cause cataracts to grow faster.

Develop healthy eating habits

The healthier your diet is, the healthier your eyes will be. If you eat a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods, your cataracts may grow more slowly.

You'll also enjoy the many other health benefits that go along with eating healthy including a reduced risk for cancer and heart disease. 

Drink a lot of water

Dehydration can have a negative impact on the health of the eyes. If you drink more water, you may be able to keep your eyes healthier and thereby avoid cataract growth. Drink water throughout the day and be especially careful to stay hydrated while you're exercising or out in hot weather. 

Cut back on alcohol and smoking

Alcohol consumption and smoking are not good habits for patients with cataracts. Both of these habits are generally unhealthy. Alcohol consumption can aggravate cataracts by causing weight gain. Smoking can aggravate cataracts because it interferes with healthy circulation. 

Reduce sugar intake if you're a diabetic

Patients who suffer from diabetes are generally more at risk of having cataracts. There is also a link between sugar consumption and cataract growth in diabetic patients. Therefore, you should cut back on sugar if you are a diabetic who has recently developed cataracts. 

Contact a company like Filutowski Eye Institute to learn more about cataracts.