Cataracts occur in the natural lens of your eye, a clear disk that sits behind your iris and properly directs the light entering your eye. As a result of age, eye disease or injury, the lens may turn opaque, clouding your vision and resulting in blindness if left untreated. If you have concerns about cataracts or if your doctor informed you that you have cataracts, you should talk to your doctor about the role of food and proper nutrition.
Cause
Cataracts typically result from the natural aging process. Your lens is made of proteins, fats and water, and, over time, the protein and fat cells may break down and form clumps. This process, often called oxidation, will cause the lens to gradually harden and gradually turn opaque and yellow. This will cause cloudy vision and the yellow color of the lens will result in changes in color perception.
Treatment
Specific foods or diet changes will not reverse cataracts, nor will medications or herbal supplements. The only way to remove cataracts is with a surgical procedure. During cataract surgery, an eye surgeon will remove the cloudy, natural lens and replace this with a clear, man-made lens. Cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis, but you will need to return to your doctor for periodic check-ups to monitor healing.
Prevention
Even though foods cannot eliminate cataracts, foods rich in antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin may help to prevent cataracts or slow down progression. Foods rich in vitamin C include spinach, oranges, and tomatoes. You can also select vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds. Many foods contain both lutein and zeaxanthin, and these foods include kale, collard greens and spinach.
Considerations
If you have vision changes that you believe may result from cataracts, you should contact your doctor for an examination. Cataracts tend to grow slowly, and proper nutrition could slow this process further. Before making changes to your diet, you should talk with your doctor. She can help you design a healthful diet that will provide a variety of nutrients to help reduce your risk for cataracts and other eye conditions.
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