A cataract is an eye condition that gradually changes your vision. In early stages, your doctor will prescribe new eyeglasses to improve your vision, but as the cataract grows, a new prescription will not help. At this point your doctor may recommend surgery, a procedure where the surgeon removes the cataract to clear your vision. Instead of surgery, some people turn to supplements, such as eucalyptus, as a way to eliminate cataracts, but eucalyptus will not treat cataracts.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the components that make up your lens start to break down. This process gradually hardens the lens as the proteins and fat in the lens start to clump together. As the cataract progresses, the lens will often turn a cloudy yellow color. In some cases, the yellowing of the lens will distort your color perception. Cataract formation may take many years before you notice vision changes.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree often used for its aromatic effects. Some people use the extract from eucalyptus leaves to treat coughs and other symptoms of the common cold, as well as a treatment for skin conditions such as open sores and wounds, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eucalyptus does contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. In theory, these antioxidants may slow the breakdown of the components in your natural lens. You should talk with your doctor about using the antioxidants in eucalyptus to help slow cataract progression. If you doctor thinks eucalyptus may benefit your eyes in preventing this condition, she will tell you how much of the supplement to take each day.
Prevention
Even though eucalyptus contains antioxidant properties, your doctor may recommend a daily supplement that contains many different antioxidant nutrients to help slow down cataracts. Beneficial nutrients include lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins C and E. If your doctor thinks these antioxidants may help your eyes, he will help you find the right supplement for your eyes and overall health.
Considerations
If you have a kidney, gallbladder or gastrointestinal disease, eucalyptus may cause additional complications. Eucalyptus may also trigger asthma attacks in people with this condition. Due to the potential interactions with disease and medications, discuss eucalyptus with your doctor before you start taking the supplement.
