Conditions

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye's lens change and cause a thickening, resulting in clouded and distorted vision.

Free radical damage to lens tissue is a contributing factor to the formation of cataracts. Free radicals attack the structure of the proteins that comprise the lens along with enzymes and cellular membranes. Some known causes of cataracts are aging, diabetes, heavy metal poisoning, exposure to radiation, injury to the eye, and the use of certain drugs, such as steroids.

Signs and Symptoms:

• A gradual loss of clarity and detail
• Double vision
• Spots in vision
• Blurring of vision
• Near-sightedness
• Perception of colors may change

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis usually involves a physical and ophthalmoscopic examination.

Treatment Options:

Most medical treatments have temporary effects at best. Surgical procedures give the best results.

Traditional Treatments:

• A stronger prescription for corrective lenses may be sufficient for the first stages of cataracts.
• In some cases eye drops (e.g., phenylephrine or homatropine) are used to dilate the pupil around the cataract and, thus, provide better vision
• Cataract removal surgery is considered standard treatment for advanced cataracts. Cataract removal is successful in 90% of all cases (performed on an otherwise healthy eye). This procedure involves first removing the affected lens, and then implanting a tiny plastic intraocular lens. The lens can be removed in one piece with stitching or can be performed by fragmentation and removal through a minuscule incision that requires no stitching.
• If you have a history of other eye diseases, implants may be considered unsuitable. Contact lenses are then prescribed after surgery.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Nutritional and herbal therapies help prevent and minimize the progression of cataract formation. Correcting underlying nutritional deficiencies and addressing contributing factors, such as diabetes, is essential to treatment.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Bilberry contains anthocyanosides, which may be able to offer impressive protection against the development of cataracts. Take as directed.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids helps to scavenge for damaging free radicals and contributes to lower intraocular pressure. Take 1,000 mg with each of three meals per day.
• Vitamin E with selenium works together to protect the eye from oxidant damage. Take 400 IU daily of vitamin E and 400 mg of selenium.
• Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant agent, which slows cataract progression and protects tissue from oxidant poisons. Take ad directed.
• Quercetin and naringin inhibit the action of aldose reductase, which results in a decrease of cataract-causing substances that accumulate in the lens tissue. Take as directed.
• Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Take 150 mg three times daily for one month, then cut back to 150 mg twice a day for three more months.
• Lutein is a cartenoid that is concentrated in the pupil Take 500 to 1,000 mg of lutein twice a day.
• Pantothenic acid helps ensure a speedy recover after surgery. Take 200 mg of pantothenic acid twice a day for one month.
• Copper and manganese are important for proper healing and for retarding the growth of cataracts. Take 3 mg daily of copper and 10mg daily of manganese. (Note: take manganese separate from calcium)

Alternative Therapies:

• Ginkgo biloba improves microcapillary circulation
• Pine-bark (pycnogenol) and grape-seed extracts are valuable against inflammation and also have notable antioxidant effects. Take 25 to 50 mg of either three times daily.
• Dusty miller (Cineraria maritima) succus (preserved plant juice) 1 to 3 drops twice a day morning and evening, to the affected eye. Note: May cause eye irritation.

General Recommendations:

• Follow the doctor's instructions for caring for yourself after surgery.
• If you don't already have a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes against the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, invest in a pair with polarized lenses that is guaranteed to filter out the sun's ultraviolet rays, and wear them whenever you are outside.
• Avoid antihistamines if you have cataracts.

Warnings:

Cataracts can lead to blindness if not treated or removed.