Cataracts are white, opaque blemishes on the normally transparent lens of the eye. They occur as a result of free-radical or oxidative damage to the protein structure of the lens; similar to the damage that occurs to the protein egg whites when eggs are boiled or fried.
You stop driving at night because the glare of headlights makes it hard to see. You need a stronger light for reading or sewing, but no matter how bright the light, your vision seems dim, like a television screen that needs adjusting.
There's no magic knob you can turn to brighten things up if you have cataracts, a vision problem that affects half of all Americans between ages 65 and 74. With cataracts, the lens of the eye gradually yellows and loses its transparency, causing dim or blurry vision. The natural remedies—in conjunction with medical care and used with your doctor's approval—may help prevent or slow the development of cataracts, according to some health professionals.
FOOD THERAPY
Vegetables rich in antioxidant nutrients beta-carotene and vitamins C and F—any yellow, orange or dark green leafy vegetables—help prevent the oxidation process that can contribute to and worsen cataracts.
While cataracts coincide with aging, the more likely cause, researchers believe, is accumulated exposure to ultraviolet light. It is also important to avoid fried foods, rancid foods, and other sources of free radicals.
VITAMIN AND MINERAL THERAPY
Jay Cohen, O.D., associate professor in the State University of New York College of Optometry in New York, NY, recommends getting 500 milligrams of vitamin C, up to 400 IU of vitamin E and up to 15 mg (25,000 IU) of beta-carotene daily, whether through a multivitamin/mineral supplement or additional pills.
Most people know the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on the skin. But many are not aware of the damage that they can cause to the eyes. Possibly the most frightening aspect of UV damage is that it is the negative effects may not present until years later. Prevent Blindness America is an online source about what you can do to protect your eyes. Extended UV exposure has been linked to cataracts; Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) - a leading cause of vision loss in America for people age 55 or older; pterygium - a growth of tissue on the white of the eye; photokeratitis - a reversible sunburn of the cornea that can result in temporary loss of vision.
Consult Your Health Care Provider When:
- Your vision becomes cloudy or blurred.
- You have problems driving at night because headlights seem too bright.
- You find that glare from the sun bothers you.
- You notice changes in the way you see colors.
A new national health survey of 1,200 Americans conducted for the American Academy of Ophthalmology finds that most Americans are unaware of the risks associated with age-related eye diseases. Age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, AMD are expected to dramatically increase—from 28 million today to 43 million by year 2020. Left untreated, these disease can cause vision loss and blindness. The reality is that millions of people will suffer vision loss because they don't know the risks. Cataract and lens surgery were the most common outpatient surgery procedures in 2003. The Academy recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get an eye disease screening at age 40.
Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement, they're a health necessity, says Dr. Michael Rotberg, an ophthalmologist with Charlotte (N.C.) Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates. Although both adults and children are subject to the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, younger eyes are more susceptible to exposure to the sun's harmful rays. There was a time when wearing sunglasses would have been seen as too cool for school, but for pupils at a pioneering primary in Australia they are now a compulsory part of the uniform. The move is aimed at protecting young eyes from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses are particularly important in summer when ultraviolet exposure is up to 5 times higher than in winter.
Some cataracts are severe enough to cause blindness and must be surgically removed. Others ae so mild that stronger glasses are enough. If you suspect you have a cataract, see you doctor for a diagnosis.