Cataracts Can Be Prevented. A Myth Or The Truth?

Of course it’s the truth. You don’t have to suffer from poor vision because of cataracts or be at the mercy of eye surgery to remove them.  Now they can be prevented from ever happening in the first place.

Cataracts is a topic of great interest today, partly because the generation of baby boomers is reaching the age when cataracts are usually noticed. This rather large section of the population is very much aware of natural remedies for longevity.  However, they pay about as much attention to their eyes as everyone else does. They don’t, until they have a problem.

Did you know that cataracts forms slowly and without any pain, so that they can be pretty well formed before people seek help? It can take several years to develop and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Cataracts forms within the eye rather than on it, as most people believe. It is most common in people over age 60, but in some cases can be noticed in younger patients. Some forms of eye injuries, infections, steroidal use, and substance abuses can cause earlier formation.

More Reasons For Cataracts

There are some medical causes for cataract formation also. Diabetes is the biggest one.  It can cause severe damage to your eyesight, if it is not kept under strict  control. Myotonic dystrophy or Wilson’s disease are two other medical conditions that can increase the risk of cataracts in younger people.

Eye Vitamins and Cataracts

There are a lot of studies today about preventing cataracts with natural remedies.  Vitamins, minerals and healthy eating habits have been shown to prevent or decrease the risk of developing cataracts. This is geared toward enhancing the nutritional health of the ocular system.

Bilberry Extract contains Lutein and antioxidants that promote eye healing and eye health protection. Alpha-Lipoic Acid  has been shown to increase Vitamin E levels, which protects the eye’s lens from ultraviolet light. Flax Seed Powder nourishes all of the body’s systems including the eyes. Grape Seed Extract and Ginkgo Extract are helpful in maintaining peripheral blood circulation, which is very useful in preventing eye problems in the older population, when circulation is usually poor. Antioxidant enzymes for eye health can be obtained from the mineral, Selenium.

On the vitamin side of the eye health score sheet, Vitamin C is a virtual powerhouse.  It helps the whole body by maintaining immune system health, and helps prevent deficiencies in certain antioxidants.  B vitamins play a critical role in the production of glutathione,  an enzyme that helps protect the eyes.  Carotenoids come from a group of more than 700 fat soluble nutrients. They are responsible for converting these nutrients into Vitamin A in the body.  They are critical in maintaining good vision, especially in low lighting.

Of course, high doses of vitamins and minerals can have harmful effects.  So, the better option is eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Some of the extracts that are entioned above and a daily supplement are probably all that is needed if the diet is right.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins,  and plenty of other yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables. and  leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables. It should also be low in fats and high in complex carbohydrates.

Protect Your Eyes With Sunglasses

Another big area of prevention and protection is sunglasses.  The eyes should be protected against UVB and UVA rays with an approved pair of sunglasses. They should block at least 95% of UVB and a minimum of 60% UVA.  The label should read ANSI  Z80.3, general purpose UV requirements.  For people at risk for cataracts, the glasses should block at least 99% of UVB and a minimum of 60% UVA.  They should wrap around the head and block the light from above, below, and the sides, and they should fit snugly on the nose.

If you want to prevent cataracts, take as good care of your eyes as you do the rest of your body.  Eat a healthy diet; take a good supplement, wear good eye protection and your eyes will reward you with many years of good vision.

As always, check with your health care provider before beginning any diet changes or supplements.

To start understanding the mechanics of cataract prevention, watch the free video series at the top of this article.