Signs and Symptoms of Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may include faded colours, blurry vision, halos around lights, trouble with bright lights, and trouble seeing at nights. This may result in trouble driving, reading or recognizing faces. Poor vision caused by cataracts may also result in an increased risk of falling and depression. Cataracts cause half of all causes of blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide.
Age is the most common cause. Lens proteins denature and degrade over time and this process is accelerated by diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light, have cumulative effects, which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it.
Types of Cataracts
. A subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens. People with diabetes or those taking high doses of steroid medication have a greater risk of developing a subcapsular cataract.
. A cortical cataract: is characterized by white, wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the centre in a spoke-like fashion. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the central nucleus.
. A nuclear cataract: forms deep in the central zone (nucleus) of the lens. Nuclear cataracts usually are associated with ageing.
. Posterior cataracts: these affect the backside of your lens and are formed faster than the former types.
. Congenital Cataracts: These cataracts are present at birth or may surface during your child's first year.
. Secondary Cataracts: Secondary cataracts are often a result of health conditions like diabetes and glaucoma or medications like steroids.
. Traumatic Cataracts: that are a result of trauma to your eyes over the years are called traumatic cataracts.
. Radiation Cataracts: As the name suggests, this type of cataract occurs after an individual undergoes radiation for cancer.
What Is The Cause Of Cataracts?
The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of 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, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. No one knows for sure why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts.
Cataract Symptoms Include:
. Sensitivity to light
. Loss of distance vision
. Difficulties with night vision
. Blurred or dim vision
. Double vision in one eye
. Loss of depth perception
. Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
. Tendencies to see a halo or glare around lights
Here Are Some Natural Ways To Treat Cataracts
1. Vitamins
vitamins Cand D can help prevent or slow down the progression of cataracts. so, consume foods rich in these vitamins like citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, avocados, almonds, berries, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, are all instances of foods rich in Vitamin C.
2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin:
These are essential carotenoids which have been proven to prevent cataract. The two are together found in eye lenses. They are responsible for filtering high-energy blue wavelengths of light which helps in protection and maintenance of healthy eye cells. Broccoli, kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens and corn are good instances of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.
3.Carrots
Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant carotenoid that your body converts to vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. Vitamin A helps with the production of both rod and cone cells, which help you see in low light conditions and to see colours. Beta-carotene also helps fend off disease-causing free radical damage. Eating high amounts may lower your risk for diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. You can get beta-carotene from yellow, orange and red fruits and veggies like sweet potatoes and cantaloupes as well as dark leafy greens like kale and broccoli.
4. Oysters
Oysters Shellfish like oysters are among the best sources of the mineral zinc, which healthy eyes have in abundance. Zinc helps vitamin A create melanin, a pigment that protects your eyes. Zinc deficiency can cause poor night vision, or night blindness, as well as cataracts. In high doses, zinc also appears to be able to slow the progression of macular degeneration once you have early stages of the disease. But you don't need more than the daily recommended dose-8 milligrams a day for women and 11 milligrams a day for men. Oysters deliver more of the mineral than any food, but you also can get plenty of zinc from beef, other shellfish and fortified cereals.
5. Honey
Honey is one of the most nutrient-rich substances available to us and it has been miraculous in healing countless conditions over the years. Although the idea of putting honey in your eyes may sound strange, if you pure honey, you can put a small amount in your eyes and let the dense nutrients and antioxidants work their magic.
6. Eggs
Egg yolks are brimming with the same powerful eye- protecting antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, that are found in leafy green vegetables. The beauty of getting them in your omelettes is that the high-fat content in eggs means that you very easily absorb all that antioxidant goodness. In fact, one study found that eating just one egg a day for five weeks increased lutein level by 26 per cent and zeaxanthin levels by 38 per cent (the study also found this egg-a-day routine had zero ill effects on cholesterol or triglyceride levels). Egg yolks are also a rich source of vitamin D, which may also help protect against macular degeneration.
7.Oranges
Vitamin C like other antioxidants, it helps prevent free-radical damage and may reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. It also helps build collagen, which provides structure for your cornea. You can get ample doses of C from strawberries, red bell peppers and all citrus fruits. Orange, however, might be the real apples of your eyes: In one study of adult 49 and older, those who said they ate at least one serving of oranges a day had a 61per cent lower risk of age-related macular degeneration 15 years later than those who said they didn't eat oranges.
8. Whole Grains
Whole grains are not only good for you waistline; they contain vitamin E, niacin and zinc, which provide many benefits for the eyes. Not only do they reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, but they also reduce the likelihood of blood sugar spikes that could damage the retina over time. The zinc in whole grains also protects eye tissue from light and inflammation.
9. Sunflower Seeds
A Spanish study of nearly 600 men and women age 65 and older found that people who ate a healthy diet providing at least 8 milligrams of vitamin E a day had significantly lower rates of cataracts and cataract surgery than those who ate lesser amounts. The recommended daily value for this powerful antioxidant vitamin is 15 milligrams, the amount in 2 ounces of sunflower seeds. Other good sources are almonds, hazelnuts and peanut butter.
10. Papaya
Papaya has a huge effect on human health due to the high concentration of papain present in it. Papain is an enzyme that helps to speed the process of protein digestion, Those cloudy spots on your lens are made of excess protein, so adding papaya (and papain) to your regular diet can considerably reduce the occurrence of cataracts.
11. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. It provides nourishment to your eyes and fights signs of cataracts and other eye abnormalities. Extract a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel. Refrigerate it and apply it to closed eyes. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off with water. You can also consume a cup of aloe vera juice daily to speed up your recovery.
12 Olive Oil
Olive oil is the perfect alternative to your regular cooking oil if you wish to fight cataracts. It is packed with antioxidants that help repair damaged lens and keep your eyes nourished and moisturized. Add olive oil to your favourite dishes and salads. You can also pour a drop of olive oil into your eyes. You must do this on a regular basis.
13. Green Tea
Green tea is packed with polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants. These polyphenols can help protect your lens from further damage and reverse existing cataracts to an extent. Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer and strain. Allow the tea to cool a little before drinking it. You must drink this twice daily.
14. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that easily cross the blood-retina barrier to providing extra vision protection. They also may improve vision in people with normal tension glaucoma, a form of the disease that damages the optic nerve. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, blueberry anthocyanins may be particularly helpful, since research shows that they can particularly helpful, since research shows that they can protect your retina against damage from UV light exposure. You'll also get anthocyanins from other dark red, blue and purple foods like blackberries, currants and red grapes.
15. Spanish
Spanish and other dark leafy greens like kale and collard greens are packed with two antioxidants-lutein and zeaxanthin-that are stored in the eye's macula, which helps shield the eye from damaging the light. Lutein is especially good at filtering out blue light, which is the kind that glares from your phone and computer screens. ''Aim for at least three servings a week, ''Garg says. Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat soluble, so drizzle on the olive oil for maximum absorption and deliciousness.
16. Ginger
The topical application of ginger juice is a good way to cleanse your eyes and repair the damage. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can help soothe inflammation in your eyes, and its antioxidant effects can repair oxidative damage. Mix half a teaspoon each of lemon juice and ginger juice. Add a teaspoon of water to this mixture. Soak two cotton pads in the mixture and place them over closed eyes. Leave them on for15 to 20 minutes and then take them off. Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
17. Almonds
Almonds have been used as a traditional remedy for vision problems. You can soak the nuts overnight and then consume them in the morning for best results. Almonds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and other powerful organic compounds that help improve overall health and prevent inflammation in the body, thereby lowering the risk of cataract.
18. Ashwagandha
In many parts of India, ashwagandha is known to treat and even eliminate various diseases, including cataracts. This is due to its nutrient dense nature and antioxidants present in it. Research has shown that taking ashwagandha root powder extract can slow the advance of cataracts and improve vision over the long term.
19. Ginger and Lemon
Ginger and lemon have a great number of antioxidants present in them, which helps prevent and reduce cataracts. You can drop ginger juice mixed with a small amount of lemon juice in your eye for direct relief of these problems. The sensation won't be initially pleasant, according to anecdotal evidence. It is highly beneficial for a person suffering from cataract.
20. Onion
The daily use of onion juice as eye drops enhances the functioning of your eyes. It also helps prevent cataract formation in the eyes as concluded by a study published in the Indian Journal Of Ophthalmology in 2009. 1 teaspoon of fresh onion juice 2 teaspoons of water. Add two teaspoons of water to a teaspoon of fresh lemon extract. Mix well and pour a drop of this solution into both the eyes. Blink away the excess mixture. Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may include faded colours, blurry vision, halos around lights, trouble with bright lights, and trouble seeing at nights. This may result in trouble driving, reading or recognizing faces. Poor vision caused by cataracts may also result in an increased risk of falling and depression. Cataracts cause half of all causes of blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide.
Age is the most common cause. Lens proteins denature and degrade over time and this process is accelerated by diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Environmental factors, including toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light, have cumulative effects, which are worsened by the loss of protective and restorative mechanisms due to alterations in gene expression and chemical processes within the eye. The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it.
Types of Cataracts
. A subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens. People with diabetes or those taking high doses of steroid medication have a greater risk of developing a subcapsular cataract.
. A cortical cataract: is characterized by white, wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the centre in a spoke-like fashion. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the central nucleus.
. A nuclear cataract: forms deep in the central zone (nucleus) of the lens. Nuclear cataracts usually are associated with ageing.
. Posterior cataracts: these affect the backside of your lens and are formed faster than the former types.
. Congenital Cataracts: These cataracts are present at birth or may surface during your child's first year.
. Secondary Cataracts: Secondary cataracts are often a result of health conditions like diabetes and glaucoma or medications like steroids.
. Traumatic Cataracts: that are a result of trauma to your eyes over the years are called traumatic cataracts.
. Radiation Cataracts: As the name suggests, this type of cataract occurs after an individual undergoes radiation for cancer.
What Is The Cause Of Cataracts?
The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of 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, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. No one knows for sure why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts.
Cataract Symptoms Include:
. Sensitivity to light
. Loss of distance vision
. Difficulties with night vision
. Blurred or dim vision
. Double vision in one eye
. Loss of depth perception
. Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
. Tendencies to see a halo or glare around lights
Here Are Some Natural Ways To Treat Cataracts
1. Vitamins
vitamins Cand D can help prevent or slow down the progression of cataracts. so, consume foods rich in these vitamins like citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, avocados, almonds, berries, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, are all instances of foods rich in Vitamin C.
2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin:
These are essential carotenoids which have been proven to prevent cataract. The two are together found in eye lenses. They are responsible for filtering high-energy blue wavelengths of light which helps in protection and maintenance of healthy eye cells. Broccoli, kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens and corn are good instances of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.
3.Carrots
Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant carotenoid that your body converts to vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. Vitamin A helps with the production of both rod and cone cells, which help you see in low light conditions and to see colours. Beta-carotene also helps fend off disease-causing free radical damage. Eating high amounts may lower your risk for diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. You can get beta-carotene from yellow, orange and red fruits and veggies like sweet potatoes and cantaloupes as well as dark leafy greens like kale and broccoli.
4. Oysters
Oysters Shellfish like oysters are among the best sources of the mineral zinc, which healthy eyes have in abundance. Zinc helps vitamin A create melanin, a pigment that protects your eyes. Zinc deficiency can cause poor night vision, or night blindness, as well as cataracts. In high doses, zinc also appears to be able to slow the progression of macular degeneration once you have early stages of the disease. But you don't need more than the daily recommended dose-8 milligrams a day for women and 11 milligrams a day for men. Oysters deliver more of the mineral than any food, but you also can get plenty of zinc from beef, other shellfish and fortified cereals.
5. Honey
Honey is one of the most nutrient-rich substances available to us and it has been miraculous in healing countless conditions over the years. Although the idea of putting honey in your eyes may sound strange, if you pure honey, you can put a small amount in your eyes and let the dense nutrients and antioxidants work their magic.
6. Eggs
Egg yolks are brimming with the same powerful eye- protecting antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, that are found in leafy green vegetables. The beauty of getting them in your omelettes is that the high-fat content in eggs means that you very easily absorb all that antioxidant goodness. In fact, one study found that eating just one egg a day for five weeks increased lutein level by 26 per cent and zeaxanthin levels by 38 per cent (the study also found this egg-a-day routine had zero ill effects on cholesterol or triglyceride levels). Egg yolks are also a rich source of vitamin D, which may also help protect against macular degeneration.
7.Oranges
Vitamin C like other antioxidants, it helps prevent free-radical damage and may reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. It also helps build collagen, which provides structure for your cornea. You can get ample doses of C from strawberries, red bell peppers and all citrus fruits. Orange, however, might be the real apples of your eyes: In one study of adult 49 and older, those who said they ate at least one serving of oranges a day had a 61per cent lower risk of age-related macular degeneration 15 years later than those who said they didn't eat oranges.
8. Whole Grains
Whole grains are not only good for you waistline; they contain vitamin E, niacin and zinc, which provide many benefits for the eyes. Not only do they reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, but they also reduce the likelihood of blood sugar spikes that could damage the retina over time. The zinc in whole grains also protects eye tissue from light and inflammation.
9. Sunflower Seeds
A Spanish study of nearly 600 men and women age 65 and older found that people who ate a healthy diet providing at least 8 milligrams of vitamin E a day had significantly lower rates of cataracts and cataract surgery than those who ate lesser amounts. The recommended daily value for this powerful antioxidant vitamin is 15 milligrams, the amount in 2 ounces of sunflower seeds. Other good sources are almonds, hazelnuts and peanut butter.
10. Papaya
Papaya has a huge effect on human health due to the high concentration of papain present in it. Papain is an enzyme that helps to speed the process of protein digestion, Those cloudy spots on your lens are made of excess protein, so adding papaya (and papain) to your regular diet can considerably reduce the occurrence of cataracts.
11. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. It provides nourishment to your eyes and fights signs of cataracts and other eye abnormalities. Extract a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel. Refrigerate it and apply it to closed eyes. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off with water. You can also consume a cup of aloe vera juice daily to speed up your recovery.
12 Olive Oil
Olive oil is the perfect alternative to your regular cooking oil if you wish to fight cataracts. It is packed with antioxidants that help repair damaged lens and keep your eyes nourished and moisturized. Add olive oil to your favourite dishes and salads. You can also pour a drop of olive oil into your eyes. You must do this on a regular basis.
13. Green Tea
Green tea is packed with polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants. These polyphenols can help protect your lens from further damage and reverse existing cataracts to an extent. Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer and strain. Allow the tea to cool a little before drinking it. You must drink this twice daily.
14. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that easily cross the blood-retina barrier to providing extra vision protection. They also may improve vision in people with normal tension glaucoma, a form of the disease that damages the optic nerve. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, blueberry anthocyanins may be particularly helpful, since research shows that they can particularly helpful, since research shows that they can protect your retina against damage from UV light exposure. You'll also get anthocyanins from other dark red, blue and purple foods like blackberries, currants and red grapes.
15. Spanish
Spanish and other dark leafy greens like kale and collard greens are packed with two antioxidants-lutein and zeaxanthin-that are stored in the eye's macula, which helps shield the eye from damaging the light. Lutein is especially good at filtering out blue light, which is the kind that glares from your phone and computer screens. ''Aim for at least three servings a week, ''Garg says. Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat soluble, so drizzle on the olive oil for maximum absorption and deliciousness.
16. Ginger
The topical application of ginger juice is a good way to cleanse your eyes and repair the damage. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can help soothe inflammation in your eyes, and its antioxidant effects can repair oxidative damage. Mix half a teaspoon each of lemon juice and ginger juice. Add a teaspoon of water to this mixture. Soak two cotton pads in the mixture and place them over closed eyes. Leave them on for15 to 20 minutes and then take them off. Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
17. Almonds
Almonds have been used as a traditional remedy for vision problems. You can soak the nuts overnight and then consume them in the morning for best results. Almonds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and other powerful organic compounds that help improve overall health and prevent inflammation in the body, thereby lowering the risk of cataract.
18. Ashwagandha
In many parts of India, ashwagandha is known to treat and even eliminate various diseases, including cataracts. This is due to its nutrient dense nature and antioxidants present in it. Research has shown that taking ashwagandha root powder extract can slow the advance of cataracts and improve vision over the long term.
19. Ginger and Lemon
Ginger and lemon have a great number of antioxidants present in them, which helps prevent and reduce cataracts. You can drop ginger juice mixed with a small amount of lemon juice in your eye for direct relief of these problems. The sensation won't be initially pleasant, according to anecdotal evidence. It is highly beneficial for a person suffering from cataract.
20. Onion
The daily use of onion juice as eye drops enhances the functioning of your eyes. It also helps prevent cataract formation in the eyes as concluded by a study published in the Indian Journal Of Ophthalmology in 2009. 1 teaspoon of fresh onion juice 2 teaspoons of water. Add two teaspoons of water to a teaspoon of fresh lemon extract. Mix well and pour a drop of this solution into both the eyes. Blink away the excess mixture. Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
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