Cataracts commonly occur with age and result in slow, progressive changes to your vision. In most cases, cataracts form at such a slow rate that, in the early stages, you will not know you have this condition until your eye doctor informs you. Factors such as smoking and frequent exposure to ultraviolet rays may increase your risks for early cataracts. If you have a zinc deficiency, this condition may promote cataract growth.
Lens Changes
The natural lens in your eye, located just behind the iris, or colored part of the eye, consists primarily of protein and water. Cataracts form when these proteins start to break down and move together, forming compact lumps of protein in the lens. As a result, the light entering the eye will not have a clear pathway through the lens, which will result in blurry vision. As the cataract progresses, you will continue to experience gradually worsening vision.
Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient for the eye since it may promote healthy eyes. In high doses, zinc may play a role in the prevention of eye diseases like macular degeneration. If you do not have an adequate intake of zinc, this could hasten the growth of cataracts, explains the American Optometric Association. The recommended adult dietary allowance for zinc ranges from 8 mg daily for women to 11 mg for men. Your doctor can help you determine the daily amount of zinc that would be appropriate for you.
Signs of Deficiency
Cataracts grow slowly, and their presence alone will not determine that you have zinc deficiency. Symptoms of a deficiency include inhibited growth, poor immune system, loss of appetite, hair loss and diarrhea, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. In addition, zinc deficiency may cause weight loss, changes in taste and poor wound healing.
Blood tests may not offer a good indication of zinc deficiency since zinc attaches to many proteins and nucleic acids in the body. Doctors will evaluate symptoms and risk factors to determine if you do not have an adequate zinc intake.
Food Sources
Many foods contain a significant amount of zinc. Topping the list, six medium-sized oysters contain more than 76 mg of zinc. Other foods include beef shank; a 3-ounce serving provides nearly 9 mg of zinc; 3 ounces of Alaskan king crab contains more than 6 mg of zinc. Other foods high in zinc include pork, cashews, chickpeas, almonds and kidney beans.
Considerations
If you believe you may have a zinc deficiency or have a risk for cataracts, talk to your doctor about ways to increase the amount of zinc in your diet or with supplements. To avoid complications or interactions with medications, avoid high intakes of zinc unless directed by your doctor.
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