A cataract acts like a dirty camera lens. It causes blurred, foggy, and distorted vision. Many people with cataracts often become restricted in daily activities because of this, including restrictions on driving, reading, using a computer or merely watching television. Treatment for cataracts includes natural supplements. People may use them for prevention or alongside surgery.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. It is the most common cause of blindness worldwide. Doctors successfully treat most cataracts with surgery in developed countries. Some people also use preventative supplements to support eye health.

Who is Affected By Cataracts?

Aging commonly causes cataracts, especially in older adults. Senile cataracts develop from long-term exposure to free radical damage in the eyes. Free radicals are unstable molecules that bond uncontrollably to other healthy cells to achieve stability. This bonding causes damage to body tissues that is sort of like rust on metal. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun can generate free radicals in the body. Food, water, and nutrient depletion from over-farming also contribute.

What Causes Cataracts?

Factors that predispose one to the development of cataracts are old age, diabetes, exposure to radiation or heavy metals, eye injury, the use of medications like steroids and heredity.

Cataract Treatment & Prevention Tips

Treatment of cataracts with surgery is effective, but this does not mean that cataracts have to be inevitable. There are many clinically proven alternative ways to reduce the likelihood of developing a cataract.

To prevent cataracts, avoid direct sunlight. Use sunglasses with full UV protection to protect your eyes. Avoid drug therapies that predispose you to cataract formation, for example, prednisone.

Smoking generates large amounts of free radicals and is thought to be a risk factor for cataract formation. Reducing your free radical exposure can dramatically reduce the likelihood that you will develop serious cataracts in your lifetime.

A diet high in antioxidants, including whole grains, raw fruits, and raw vegetables, decreases free radical damage. Eat foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin like broccoli, collards, kale, mustard greens, spinach and turnip greens. Eat foods rich in flavonoids and vitamins C and E, like blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and other fruits and vegetables. Yellow fruits and vegetables should be consumed for their vitamin A content. Drink lots of filtered water. Avoid chlorinated and fluoridated water.

It is important to remember that the formation of cataracts is a sign of overall free radical exposure to your body. Eyes show oxidative damage early due to high sensitivity. Cataracts may also indicate broader free radical damage elsewhere in the body.