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- What are cataracts?
- Symptoms of cataracts
- Causes of cataracts
- Prevention of cataracts
- Risk factors for cataracts
- Complications of cataracts
- When to see a doctor about cataracts
- Diagnosis of cataracts
- Conventional treatment of cataracts
- Alternative/complementary treatment of cataracts
- Living with cataracts
- Caring for someone with cataracts
Cataracts are unpreventable in certain circumstances:
- Aged over 65 - it is difficult to prevent cataracts in people who are over 65 years old because as the eye ages, it is can be more susceptible to the oxidative damage that precipitates cataract formation. The only way to reduce the risk is to ensure the diet has been rich in antioxidants, there is adequate physical activity each day and glasses are always worn when outside
- Diabetes - people who have diabetes may develop cataracts at a higher rate than people without diabetes due to the improper functioning of several systems in the body including blood circulation as well a probable deficiency in the various antioxidants through an extra requirement due to the diabetes, which can make cataracts more likely
- Genetics - cataract development appears to run in families, which scientists believe could be caused by defective genes and this can be difficult to prevent
- Medications - people that are taking certain medications (such as corticosteroids) are known to have a higher risk for developing cataracts. If these medications have been prescribed for conditions that warrant their usage should talk to their doctor about alternative medication or try to increase the antioxidants in their diet to help boost their resistance to developing cataracts would be very useful
- Rubella in pregnancy - women who are pregnant and who develop a rubella infection (German measles) could possibly pass on cataract development to the baby. This is known as congenital cataracts and while it is very rare, it does occur
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There are ways to prevent cataracts from occurring:
- Drinking heavily - people who drink a lot of alcohol may not be getting adequate levels of the antioxidants, as they may not be eating properly and so may develop cataracts as a result. Cataracts from this cause can be (almost) prevented if drinking amounts are reduced and nutritional intake and antioxidants are healthy
- Eye injuries - people who injury their eyes in any type of accidents are more prone to developing cataracts at a future point in their life. Protective eyewear should always be worn when doing any work that has the potential to damage the eyes to prevent possible cataract development in the future
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight - it is well known that long term exposure to ultraviolet light is a cause of the development of cataracts. Sunglasses should always be worn when outside in sunlight, or even if it is a little cloudy, to prevent the ultraviolet light from damaging the eyes and possibly causing development of cataracts in the future. Foods rich in antioxidants should form part of the diet to further prevent the risk of development of cataracts
- Smoking - people who smoke should give up, because this is a well known risk factor for the development of cataracts, due to the complex way that smoking depletes the antioxidants from the body and further increases the risk of development of cataracts. Smoking causes many problems to blood circulation and in particular circulation to the eyes (as well as problems in many other systems in the body) and giving up smoking is one way to greatly reduce the risk of developing cataracts. People who do smoke cigarettes and cannot give up should be eating foods rich in the antioxidant nutrients rather than taking ay supplements. The diet of smokers should be rich in foods high in the following nutrients: vitamin A (or betacarotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc
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< 3: causes 5: risk factors > Last reviewed: 2 September 2007 || Last updated: 30 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
