Cataracts occur when the cells of the natural lens inside your eye begin to break down and turn the lens cloudy and hard. This will cause a gradual change in your vision, and you might not know you have cataracts until you have difficulty with reading and other visual tasks. Surgery will typically restore your vision, but to avoid eye surgery, you should talk to your doctor about the nutrients that might help you prevent cataract formation.
Vitamins
Antioxidant nutrients might help prevent the breakdown of the cells in the natural lens. This could slow or prevent the growth of cataracts. Antioxidants believed to have beneficial effects in prevention include vitamins C and E. In 2001, a study conducted at the University of Sydney in Australia determined that vitamin A and vitamin B-12 might also help reduce the incidence of cataracts.
A number of foods contain these nutrients. Vitamin C is found in oranges, grapefruit, spinach and strawberries. You can eat nuts and seeds such as almonds and sunflower seeds for vitamin E, along with oils such as corn oil and safflower oil. Food sources of vitamin A include liver, carrots, milk and cantaloupe. Vitamin B-12 is found in plant-based foods such as liver, salmon, beef, chicken, eggs and yogurt.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have antioxidant properties that could prevent cataract formation. Many foods contain these pigmented nutrients, and these sources include dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. You can also eat tangerines, persimmons and yellow corn for these nutrients.
Other Prevention
Nutrients might play an important role in preventing cataracts, but you can make other lifestyle changes that will aid you in preventing this condition as well. You should wear sunglasses when you go outdoors because the ultraviolet rays of the sun might contribute to cataract formation. If you smoke, quit, and if you are overweight, exercise and eat right to reach a healthy weight.
Considerations
Vitamin and nutrient supplements will also provide you with these beneficial nutrients, but you should talk with your doctor before you begin using supplements. High doses of certain nutrients could interact with medications or a health condition, and your doctor can help you determine which nutrients will work best for you.
If you experience changes in your vision, contact your doctor. She will examine your eyes and determine if you have cataracts or another eye condition.
References
- National Eye Institute: Facts About Cataracts
- MayoClinic.com; "Cataracts"; May 2010
- American Optometric Association: Nutrition and Cataracts
- "American Journal of Ophthalmology"; "Use of Vitamin Supplements and Cataract: The Blue Mountains Eye Study"; M. Kuzniarz et al.; July 2001
- Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institutes of Health: Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B-12
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