Many of us are blessed with having normal eyesight since the day we were born, but some of us are the unlucky ones who have been deprived of such. We use our eyes in almost everything we do. When we walk, read, work, rest or play, our eyes play a very important role. To make everyday life more convenient, good eyesight is a must. Not only does it affect our sense of sight, but as well as our learning, communication, health, language and quality of life. Just imagine how uncomfortable life would be after losing your eyesight. Those who were born blind may not have a choice, but those who do not take care of their eyes may regret it later on. It is therefore important to take care of our eyes to maintain a healthy, enjoyable life.

We rely on our eyesight more than any of the other senses of our body. Four fifths of the information we receive are perceived by our eyes to our brain. The objects we see reflect light to our eyes through our cornea. Since the cornea is curved, the light is bended, creating an upside down image on the retina and eventually is interpreted by the brain.

What is Cataract?

One of the most common eye conditions is cataract. It is normally acquired through aging and many people do not notice such because of its gradual occurrence. It affects almost 60% of people over the age of 60. Cataract is derived from the Greek word “cataractos” which depicts the rapid running of water. When the water is in turmoil, it transforms from clear to cloudy, just like cataracts.

Cataracts are changes in the clarity of the lens in the eyes, which is located behind the iris and cannot be immediately seen unless it becomes extremely cloudy. The lens that is affected by the cataract plays an important role in focusing the light on the retina behind the eye. The retina transforms this light to be interpreted by the brain but when cataracts block the light that passes the lens, it causes visual impairments and degrades visual sense.

What are the Causes of Cataract Formation?

Causes of cataracts may stem from birth or developed through unhealthy practices. The lens is made up of protein and water and specific proteins help maintain its clarity. Over time, the proteins of the lens changes which causes clouding. At birth and early life, a young one may develop cataract because of heredity, severe eye trauma or eye surgery. Other activities that contribute to the early development of cataract include smoking, excessive UV ray exposure, diabetes or medication of steroids, phenothiazines and statins.

Cataracts develop gradually, and one may not notice it beforehand. However, you can compare having cataract by looking through a car’s foggy windshield. Symptoms of cataract include less vivid color vision and diminishing of night vision. Visual complains like blurred vision, difficulty in glaring to light, double vision, increased nearsightedness and frequent changes in eyeglasses prescriptions. This condition is not painful nor does it cause redness and such, and can only be diagnosed by an eye care professional.

Many cataracts are not yet bothersome, only showing few symptoms. However, surgery is needed when the person loses his ability to do his normal daily activities like reading, driving and watching television. Still, the best way to naturally treat cataracts is to eat the right kinds of foods and practice a healthy lifestyle.

• Control Diabetes

  Diabetes patients are 60% at risk of developing cataracts. In fact, it is one of its leading causes. When a person has diabetes, he/she has high and fluctuating blood sugar levels. Gushes of blood sugar can cause sugar leak in the eye and causes the swelling of the lens and when the blood sugar diffuses, the swelling reduces. This repetitive cycle causes the clouding in the eyes. A diabetic person who already has cataracts speeds up its development. Therefore, controlling you diabetes may be a way to naturally slow down or avoid cataract development.

• Lower Triglyceride Levels

  Together with diabetes sufferers, people with high triglyceride levels may also suffer in the development of cataracts. Recent studies have suggested that the best way to stay away from having high triglyceride levels is by consuming a low in simple carbohydrate diet. Evidences have suggested that consuming simple carbohydrates leads to the development of the molecules called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) that causes the development of certain diseases including cataracts. It is therefore suggested to cut out on bread, corn flour, sugar, pasta especially high fructose corn syrup.

• Stop Smoking

  Studies have shown how people who regularly smoke and abuse alcohol intake are likely to develop cataracts and other kinds of eye problems. Cigarette smoke toxins as well as those in alcohol can damage the cells of the eyes, specifically in the lens of the eyes, and increase the likelihood of developing cataracts according to some researchers. An anti-oxidant rich diet may be of help by eliminating damage caused by these free radicals, however, prevention is always better than cure, so why resort to treatment when you can always stop smoking and drinking now? You do not only save your eyes, but your over all health as well.

• Have a Regular Eye Check Up

  It’s been said that the development of cataracts is a gradual process. Silent and serene, you will never know you have it unless you experience the symptoms of such condition. Only eye care professionals will be able to tell your eye’s real deal. Having regular check up will help you become aware of your eye condition and take necessary actions when diagnosed with cataracts or when surgery is needed when it has already impeded with daily activities.

• Don’t Forget Your Vitamin B

  US researchers suggest that increased intake of B complex Vitamins including B1 and B2, together with Vitamin E can slow progression of cataract. Those who had higher intakes of the B complex vitamins had slower cataract progression than those who had lower intake. Vitamin B1 supports the brain’s function, while Vitamin B2 safeguards the tissues of the eyes.

• Eat foods rich in beta-carotene

  A 12 year US supplementation of cataract caused by age in men showed that beta carotene, a naturally occurring antioxidant in vegetables and fruits, reduces the risk of cataract in male smokers. 22,000 men aged 40-84 years were assigned either 50 mg of beta carotene on alternate days or placebo for 12 years and 11 percent of each group were smokers. Results showed a 26 percent reduction in the risk of cataract development to those who received beta carotene who smoked.

Sources
cataracteyesurgery.co.uk
emedicinehealth.com
medicinenet.com
familiesonlinemagazine.com
livestrong.com
nutraingredients.com