Cataract is an eye disease caused by the clouding of the eye lens and is characterized by loss of vision in the effected eye. This condition is a leading cause of blindness and affects approximately one in five Americans between the ages 65 and 74, according to Merck Manual. Resveratrol may also help prevent the development and the progression of cataract, based on preliminary research. If you suffer from cataract and consider taking resveratrol you should first talk to your health care provider.
About Resveratrol
Resveratrol is natural compound grapes, especially in the skin of the red grapes. Other dietary sources include berries, peanuts, red and white wine. Knotweed, scientifically known as Polygonum cuspidatum is a plant native to Japan that appears to have the highest content of resveratrol, according to Drugs.com. Resveratrol is a strong antioxidant compound that helps prevent cell damage cause by environmental stress, or as part of the aging process.
Research
Resveratrol was found able to stop the formation of cataract induced by selenite, a chemical used by the scientists in animal subjects during the study, which was published in the February 2006 issue of "Current Eye Research." The study concluded that consumption of resveratrol may help prevent human cataract in elderly.
Another study published in August 2010 issue of "Molecular Vision" evaluated the effects of resveratrol on human eye lens. The authors found that resveratrol helped protect the lens from being damaged by free radicals, prevent cataract and age related changes of the eye lenses.
Supplement
Beside dietary sources, resveratrol is also available as an over-the-counter supplement, in capsules, tablets, powders or skin patches. The content and purity of resveratrol in supplements varies. Choose micronized resveratrol because is better absorbed by the body, indicates Drugs.com.
Safety
Resveratrol is generally viewed as a safe and well tolerated supplement. It may interact with blood thinners like aspirin and warfarin, states Drugs.com.
Considerations
You can reduce the risk of developing this condition by using sunglasses when your eyes are exposed to bright sun light, have a diet rich in vitamins A and C, and have a good control of blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Consult a qualified health care professional to find out optimal dosage of resveratrol that may help your eye condition. Keep in mind that this supplement does not replace and should not be used to replace conventional drug treatment or surgery indicated for cataract. Resveratrol is not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cataract.
References
- Merck Manual: Cataract: July 2008
- Drugs.com: Resveratrol
- "Current Eye Research"; The Effect of Resveratrol in Experimental Cataract Model Formed by Sodium Selenite; S. Doganay et al.; February 2006
- "Molecular Vision"; Resveratrol Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress by Increasing Catalase, SOD-1, and HO-1 Expression; Y.Zeng et al.; August 2010
