Natural Cataract Prevention
The thought of losing some, if not all, of our eyesight is, frankly, quite scary. For people with cataracts, this could be a reality.
Antioxidants may help delay the onset of cataracts.
What are cataracts?
A common disorder in the elderly population, cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye caused by the breakdown of proteins (or other constituents) by oxidation and photo-oxidation. Aging, ultra-violet (UV) light, free-radical damage (high oxidation status) and diabetes, among others, are risk factors for the development of this disorder. When we are young, proteins in the eye are oxidized but are quickly repaired through the natural healing mechanisms of the body. As we age however, the repair process is not asefficient and damaged proteins may cloud the lens leading to cataracts.
Cataract symptoms
Cataracts are painless and may obstruct your visual field, leading to blurred vision, a loss of central vision and sometimes halos around objects. An ophthalmologist can surgically remove cataracts, with the possibility of a number of post-surgical complications, including blindness. Cataract surgery and follow-up visits account for 3.2 billion dollars annually in the Unites States.
Antioxidant prevention
Recent data indicate that consuming elevated levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, carotenoids and vitamin E, is associated with a delay in the development of various forms of cataracts. One study showed that the intake of vitamin C increases the concentration of vitamin C within the fluid of the eye (fluid within the eyeball) and within the lens. This observation confirmed an antioxidant effect within the eyeball and lens, thereby diminishing the oxidative stress that may lead to the formation of cataracts.
A second study compared the consumption of vitamins by 175 cataract patients with that of 175 individually matched, cataract-free subjects. The results indicated that subjects that were cataract-freeconsumed significantly more vitamin C and E. The researchers estimated that the observed reduction in risk of cataracts was at least 50%.
A third study examined the relationship between antioxidant nutrient status and cataracts in the elderly.
The study evaluated blood concentrations and nutrient intake of vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids in 77 subjects with cataracts and in 35 control subjects without cataracts. The results showed that low blood concentrations of carotenoids lead to an increased incidence of cataracts. The results also showed that low blood concentrations of vitamin C lead to a higher incidence of cataracts and that low vitamin C intake was associated with an increased risk of catatracts. Lastly, the researchers observed that subjects whoconsumed fewer than 3.5 servings of fruit or vegetables per day had an increased risk of cataracts.
Maintain good vision
Thus, it seems that assuring an optimal antioxidant intake can extend lens function, prevent cataracts and help maintain good vision. One author reported that, in the United States, it is estimated that over half of the cataract surgeries and associated costs would be alleviated if the onset of cataracts could be delayed by 10 years. Based on the current research, antioxidants may provide this delay.
Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua, or Dr. JJ, as he is affectionately known, is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), the Director of the Liberty Clinic and a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto. He is also a researcher at Sick Kids Hospital (Toronto) and a published author.
You can read more of his work at www.askdrjj.com.
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Comments
Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.
It is possible to both stop the progression of cataracts as well as improve them naturally as follows:
1) Cineraria homeopathic eyedrops have been listed in the herbal section of the ophthalmology Physicians Desk Reference as a treatment for cataracts for over 30 years. These eyedrops can be effective particularly in early stage cataracts. Interestingly, they can also be very effective in treating cataracts in dogs and cats.
2) Eyedrops containing a 1% solution of n-acetyl-carnosine. There are 3 research studies showing that these eyedrops can slow down, halt the progression of and even improve cataracts through their "antiglycating" action. Glycation is the binding of sugar and protein molecules together which is a major factor in cataract development.
People with cataracts have also been shown to have significantly reduced amounts of glutathione and vitamin C in the lens of the eye(s) with the cataracts. These super antioxidants are essential to the health of the lens. Glutathione is poorly absorbed directly, so formulas that include the precursors to glutathione are valuable in helping increase glutathione production.
For more information on the above and related research studies, go to Natural Eye Care for Cataracts
Cataract symptoms
Cataract is a condition that leads to cloudiness or opacity in the lens of the eye. It causes due to aging and may be genetic, diabetes. To prevent it, one should use UV-protective sun glares, avoid being exposed to elements that are promotes the development of cataract.
WEL
I had eye surgery and in the post-op pack was MAXIDEX(dexamethasone) drops by ALCON LABS.
Two days later I was BLIND
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