MYTH: Cataracts just naturally get worse, and there is nothing one can do about it.

FACT: It is possible to prevent cataracts from getting worse, and can even be reversed in some cases when caught early enough.

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.

This comprehensive site specializes in a holistic approach for helping preserve vision loss due to cataracts and other eye disease, offering healing protocols, self-help guidelines, studies, resources, prevention, life-style changes, vitamin and food guidelines.

More and more studies are showing that cataracts may be prevented and even halted with the right nutrients, diet and lifestyle. Important nutrients evaluated in studies include the following:

Glutathione can be very effective in preventing cataract formation, and is crucial in stopping free radical damage. Studies have shown that all lenses with cataracts contain approximately 1/5th the amount of glutathione as compared to normal lenses.

Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help prevent cataracts. Vitamin C helps make collagen which strengthens the capillaries that nourish the retina, protects against UV light and is a powerful antioxidant.

Alpha Lipoic Acid has been shown in research to help prevent oxidative damage. Oxidative damage results in cataract formation, and that by increasing antioxidants, particularly alpha lipoic acid, it can help stop or prevent cataract formation.

Other nutrients such as lutein and bilberry can be helpful, and certain lifestyle changes can play a critical role in keeping your eyes healthy and strong.

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, has been helping people preserve their vision in his private practice for over 20 years. He is the co-author of Natural Eye Care - An Encyclopedia (Keats, 1999), and the author of the upcoming book Greater Vision - A Guide to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Clarity in Everyday Life. Dr. Grossman is currently the Eastern Region Director of the Optometric Extension Foundation rogram, and lectures internationally on natural eye care, nutrition and Chinese medicine.