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Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for information only. Do not copy nor transfer this article or a portion of
this article to another website or blog. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2011
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Cataract - supplements, herbs, vitamins, natural remedy, research studies and medical
treatment - therapy....... Natural Treatment and Alternative Therapies ZHION.COM
treatment - therapy....... Natural Treatment and Alternative Therapies ZHION.COM
_______________________________________________________________________
Supplements and Diet
Supplements and diet are not treatments for cataract, but certain supplements and diet may be
helpful to lower the risk for having cataract.
Supplements helpful for cataract prevention
Antioxidants are believed to be beneficial to people at risk of cataract formation. However, not
enough supporting research is available. Antioxidants and supplements that may have the
benefit of the preventive effects include: Lutein (Kale and Spinach), Alpha lipoic acid, Coenzyme
Q10, Vitamin C, Curcumin, Ginger, Selenium, Bilberry, Ginkgo biloba
Diet
High intake of fruit and vegetables definitely has a beneficial effect on many diseases. Yellow or
dark leafy vegetables, lentils, soybeans, and many high-fiber grain are helpful to prevent
cataract. It is believed that high intake of sugar and carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta and
potatoes, increases the risk for cataracts.
Supplements and Diet
Supplements and diet are not treatments for cataract, but certain supplements and diet may be
helpful to lower the risk for having cataract.
Supplements helpful for cataract prevention
Antioxidants are believed to be beneficial to people at risk of cataract formation. However, not
enough supporting research is available. Antioxidants and supplements that may have the
benefit of the preventive effects include: Lutein (Kale and Spinach), Alpha lipoic acid, Coenzyme
Q10, Vitamin C, Curcumin, Ginger, Selenium, Bilberry, Ginkgo biloba
Diet
High intake of fruit and vegetables definitely has a beneficial effect on many diseases. Yellow or
dark leafy vegetables, lentils, soybeans, and many high-fiber grain are helpful to prevent
cataract. It is believed that high intake of sugar and carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta and
potatoes, increases the risk for cataracts.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to
aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans
either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina
is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the
retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.
The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a
cataract, the image you see will be blurred.
Types of cataract:
1. Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as
glaucoma, or other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to
steroid use.
2. Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
3. Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood,
often in both eyes.
4. Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.
What causes cataracts?
The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens. It focuses light onto
the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's
focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is made of mostly water
and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light
pass through it.
But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the
lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens,
making it harder to see.
Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes.
Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear and tear it takes over the
years.
How can cataracts affect my vision?
Age-related cataracts can affect your vision in two ways:
1. Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.
The lens consists mostly of water and protein. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens
and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to
cause blurred vision. Most age-related cataracts develop from protein clumpings.
When a cataract is small, the cloudiness affects only a small part of the lens. You may not notice
any changes in your vision. Cataracts tend to "grow" slowly, so vision gets worse gradually.
Over time, the cloudy area in the lens may get larger, and the cataract may increase in size.
Seeing may become more difficult. Your vision may get duller or blurrier.
2. The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.
As the clear lens slowly colors with age, your vision gradually may acquire a brownish shade.
At first, the amount of tinting may be small and may not cause a vision problem. Over time,
increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This
gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted
to the retina.
If you have advanced lens discoloration, you may not be able to identify blues and purples. You
may be wearing what you believe to be a pair of black socks, only to find out from friends that
you are wearing purple socks.
When are you most likely to have a cataract?
People can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most
cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision.
Who is at risk for cataract?
The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:
* Certain diseases such as diabetes.
* Personal behavior such as smoking and alcohol use.
* The environment such as prolonged exposure to sunlight.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
* Cloudy or blurry vision.
* Colors seem faded.
* Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright; a halo around lights.
* Poor night vision.
* Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
* Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
* These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems.
Treatment
How is a cataract treated?
The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting,
anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only
effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial
lens.
What are the different types of cataract surgery?
There are two types of cataract surgery:
1. Phacoemulsification, or phaco. A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, the clear,
dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the
eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be
removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called
"small incision cataract surgery."
2. Extracapsular surgery. Your doctor makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and
removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction.
After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an
intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a
permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your
vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another eye disease or have problems during
surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may
be suggested.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before
cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that
increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash
your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the
risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision.
Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as
high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after
cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters.
Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you
notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A
retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or
hospital. Your eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible. A retinal
detachment causes no pain. Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent
loss of vision. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you will regain good vision. Even if
you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost.
Is cataract surgery effective?
Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also
is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people
who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
What happens before surgery?
A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some tests. These tests may include
measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps
your doctor choose the right type of IOL.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.
What happens during surgery?
At the hospital or eye clinic, drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around
your eye will be washed and cleansed.
The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless. Many people choose to
stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short time.
If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye.
After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical
team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can
go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.
What happens after surgery?
Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also
common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can
suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and
decrease the risk of infection. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect
your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any
heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks.
Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur. These problems can include infection,
bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, double vision, and high or low
eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems can usually be treated
successfully.
Sometimes the eye tissue that encloses the IOL becomes cloudy and may blur your vision. This
condition is called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop months or years after
cataract surgery.
An after-cataract is treated with a laser. Your doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye
tissue behind the lens to let light pass through. This outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser
capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in increased eye pressure or other eye problems.
As a precaution, your doctor may give you eyedrops to lower your eye pressure before or after
the procedure.
When will my vision be normal again?
You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye
needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye
has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.
If you received an IOL, you may notice that colors are very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your
natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an
IOL, you will become used to improved color vision. Also, when your eye heals, you may need
new glasses or contact lenses.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOVE: National Eye Institute, July 2011
aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans
either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina
is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the
retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.
The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a
cataract, the image you see will be blurred.
Types of cataract:
1. Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as
glaucoma, or other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to
steroid use.
2. Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
3. Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood,
often in both eyes.
4. Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.
What causes cataracts?
The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens. It focuses light onto
the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's
focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is made of mostly water
and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light
pass through it.
But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the
lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens,
making it harder to see.
Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes.
Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear and tear it takes over the
years.
How can cataracts affect my vision?
Age-related cataracts can affect your vision in two ways:
1. Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.
The lens consists mostly of water and protein. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens
and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to
cause blurred vision. Most age-related cataracts develop from protein clumpings.
When a cataract is small, the cloudiness affects only a small part of the lens. You may not notice
any changes in your vision. Cataracts tend to "grow" slowly, so vision gets worse gradually.
Over time, the cloudy area in the lens may get larger, and the cataract may increase in size.
Seeing may become more difficult. Your vision may get duller or blurrier.
2. The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.
As the clear lens slowly colors with age, your vision gradually may acquire a brownish shade.
At first, the amount of tinting may be small and may not cause a vision problem. Over time,
increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This
gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted
to the retina.
If you have advanced lens discoloration, you may not be able to identify blues and purples. You
may be wearing what you believe to be a pair of black socks, only to find out from friends that
you are wearing purple socks.
When are you most likely to have a cataract?
People can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most
cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision.
Who is at risk for cataract?
The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:
* Certain diseases such as diabetes.
* Personal behavior such as smoking and alcohol use.
* The environment such as prolonged exposure to sunlight.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
* Cloudy or blurry vision.
* Colors seem faded.
* Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright; a halo around lights.
* Poor night vision.
* Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
* Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
* These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems.
Treatment
How is a cataract treated?
The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting,
anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only
effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial
lens.
What are the different types of cataract surgery?
There are two types of cataract surgery:
1. Phacoemulsification, or phaco. A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, the clear,
dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the
eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be
removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called
"small incision cataract surgery."
2. Extracapsular surgery. Your doctor makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and
removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction.
After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an
intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a
permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your
vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another eye disease or have problems during
surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may
be suggested.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before
cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that
increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash
your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the
risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision.
Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as
high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after
cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters.
Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you
notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A
retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or
hospital. Your eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible. A retinal
detachment causes no pain. Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent
loss of vision. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you will regain good vision. Even if
you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost.
Is cataract surgery effective?
Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also
is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people
who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
What happens before surgery?
A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some tests. These tests may include
measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps
your doctor choose the right type of IOL.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.
What happens during surgery?
At the hospital or eye clinic, drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around
your eye will be washed and cleansed.
The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless. Many people choose to
stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short time.
If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye.
After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical
team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can
go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.
What happens after surgery?
Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also
common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can
suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and
decrease the risk of infection. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect
your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any
heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks.
Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur. These problems can include infection,
bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, double vision, and high or low
eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems can usually be treated
successfully.
Sometimes the eye tissue that encloses the IOL becomes cloudy and may blur your vision. This
condition is called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop months or years after
cataract surgery.
An after-cataract is treated with a laser. Your doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye
tissue behind the lens to let light pass through. This outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser
capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in increased eye pressure or other eye problems.
As a precaution, your doctor may give you eyedrops to lower your eye pressure before or after
the procedure.
When will my vision be normal again?
You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye
needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye
has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.
If you received an IOL, you may notice that colors are very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your
natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an
IOL, you will become used to improved color vision. Also, when your eye heals, you may need
new glasses or contact lenses.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOVE: National Eye Institute, July 2011