Your eyes contain a lens located behind your iris that helps light focus on a particular spot at the back of your eye, helping to produce a visual image. As you age, the proteins that make up the lens may break down, causing the lens to harden and turn cloudy, a condition known as a cataract. People who use alternative medicine may look to products such as potassium sorbate, but this product will not prevent or reverse the condition.
Effects
Once a cataract starts to form, you will most likely experience minor vision changes that an update in an eyeglass prescription will often correct. As the condition progresses, you will need frequent prescription updates, but in advanced stages, prescription eyewear will not improve your vision. You may notice that you have difficulty reading, particularly in low lighting, and that you have problems with glare. Cataracts may also alter your perception of color, since the cataract often has a yellow hue. If left untreated, advanced cataracts can result in blindness.
Potassium Sorbate
You can find potassium sorbate, the salt derivative of sorbic acid, used in many wines and food products to help prevent the growth of mold and decay processes. Despite the compound's appearance in many products, potassium sorbate does not have any known health benefits, nor does potassium sorbate have any known connection with contributing to a disease process such as cataracts.
Treatment
Although cataracts may destroy vision, your doctor can often treat this condition and restore your vision. Medications and supplements will not reverse cataract growth. Surgery is the only known treatment for cataracts. During this out-patient procedure, your eye surgeon will remove the cloudy lens and insert a small, man-made disk designed specifically for your eye. This clear disk performs the same function as the natural lens, refracting light on the back of your eye. People do not typically have any complications from the surgical procedure.
Considerations
To help prevent cataract formation, eat a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients and wear sunglasses when you go outdoors. This may help reduce the oxidation process that can damage your natural lens. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking may also help prevent cataract growth. Do not take supplements or apply compounds to your eyes without first consulting your doctor, since some alternative therapies could result in serious side effects.
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