Overview
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world. In the United States, cataracts are the major cause of vision loss, although due to the high level of care available to us, cataracts are among the most treatable causes of diminished vision.
Cataracts can best be described as an opaque spot on the lens of the eye that you cannot see through. At best, you seem to be looking through a cloud or a haze, and this haze can vary in size, density and location. Therefore, its effect on your vision will also vary. Many people experience a general reduction in vision at first; they need more light to read by, or they have difficulty with street signs when they're driving. A cataract can also effect depth perception. This can be a particular danger to older people who risk greater injury from falls and accidents.
Natural Remedies
Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:
- Daily juicing of vegetables and fruits (preferably organic). Our cataract recipe is some combination of the following: raspberries, watermelon, carrots, spinach, celery, radish (not too much fruit). For more information, go to info on juicing
- Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22).
- Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
- Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
- Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin and/or a good green drink
- Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your healthcare practitioner.
- Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
- Avoid microwaves. Leakage from microwave ovens are a direct cause of cataracts, so avoid peeking into the oven door window while you cook. In addition, food proteins exposed to microwaves can become toxic to the lens, which is made up mostly of proteins.
- Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life's problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc.
Source: Dr. Marc Grossman and Michael Edison, MS, LAc.
