Behind your iris you have a clear lens. As you age, the components of the lens break down and form clumps, resulting in a cloudy, hard lens, a condition known as a cataract. Cataracts cause vision changes, and the only way to restore vision changes from a cataract is with surgery. Certain nutrients, however, may help slow down cataract growth. Your doctor can help you determine the nutrients appropriate for you and the health of your eyes.
Vitamins
Antioxidant vitamins may help prevent cataract growth. These nutrients include vitamin C and vitamin E. Your doctor may recommend a daily supplement that contains these nutrients, but she may also recommend eating foods rich in these beneficial vitamins. Food with vitamin C includes oranges, grapefruit, papaya, strawberries and tomatoes. For vitamin E, you can eat a variety of nuts and seeds, including almonds, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Certain oils, such as peanut oil and safflower oil, also contain vitamin E. Your doctor can help you determine the amount vitamins C and E you need each day.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Your natural lens contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, but your body does not make these nutrients. Ensuring that you have an adequate intake of lutein and zeaxanthin may help you protect your eyes from cataracts. Food sources for these nutrients include kale, collard greens, turnip greens and spinach. Your doctor may recommend a daily supplement that contains lutein and zeaxanthin, along with other nutrients beneficial to your eyes and general health.
Other Prevention
Nutrients may help prevent cataracts, but you can also take other measures to further reduce the likelihood of cataracts. Your doctor can help you determine the appropriate lifestyle changes. People who smoke have an increased risk for cataracts, so your doctor may recommend that you stop smoking. You can wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection to help reduce the breakdown of your lens.
Considerations
Before you begin taking a supplement or making significant diet changes, you should talk with your doctor. He can help you determine the best methods of prevention by considering your health and current medications. If you plan to make lifestyle changes to further reduce your risk for cataract development, your doctor can help you determine the steps necessary to help you stick with your prevention plan.
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