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A Clear-Eyed View of Cataracts

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Keep your lenses clear by limiting the damage that causes cataracts, a condition that produces cloudiness in the eyes. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

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Health information provided by Aisle7

Load up on lutein
Supplement with 15 mg of this healthy antioxidant three times a week to improve vision in cases of age-related cataracts
See what C can do
Help maintain antioxidant protection against cataracts by taking 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C every day
Enjoy an eye-healthy diet
Eat plenty of green, leafy, lutein-rich vegetables, such as spinach and kale
Say good-bye to smoking
Kick the habit to reduce the risk of oxidative damage that can lead to cataracts
Block those rays
Shield your eyes from excessive exposure to sunlight to reduce the risk of oxidative damage leading to cataracts

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.

About This Condition

Cataract is a cloudiness in the lens of the eye caused by damage to the protein of the lens. This damage impairs vision.

Most people who live long enough will develop cataracts.¹ Cataracts are more likely to occur in those who smoke, have diabetes, or are exposed to excessive sunlight. All of these factors lead to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage to the lens of the eye appears to cause cataracts in animals² and people.³

It is unlikely that any nutritional supplements or herbs can reverse existing cataracts, although it is possible they might help prevent cataracts from becoming worse.

Symptoms

Cataracts usually develop slowly without any pain or redness of the eye. The most common symptoms of a cataract are fuzzy or blurred vision, increasing need for light when reading or doing other close work, visual disturbances caused by bright lights (e.g., sunlight, car headlights), faded color perception, poor night vision, and frequent need to change eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. A cataract will not spread from one eye to the other, although many people develop cataracts in both eyes.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Obese men are significantly more likely to develop a cataract than are men of normal body weight.⁴ To date, most,⁵^{, 6}^{, 7}^{, 8} but not all,⁹^{, 10} population studies have found an increased risk of cataracts as body mass increases.

References

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Aisle7 products.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

Important Walmart Disclaimer: All content, including but not limited to, recipe and health information provided in Healthy Living, is for educational purposes only. Such content is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. Such content does not cover all possible side effects of any new or different health program. Consult your medical professional for guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet or exercise program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under eighteen (18) years old, pregnant, nursing, or have health problems.

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