- Free radicals are responsible for most cataracts. They are natural byproducts of metabolism. These highly reactive chemicals cause oxidation, which in turn causes aging. As the lens of the eye ages, it hardens and loses its ability to focus. This process is similar to hardening of the arteries, and is often associated with changes in the joints.
- Chronic physical stress such as dental problems, physical injury to the vertebrae or neck, or any stress that reduces eye movement and increases muscle tension.
- Food allergies or sensitivities, particularly involving dairy products, wheat and/or soy can congest the sinuses, impairing lymphatic and veinous drainage, resulting in decreased nutrition to the eyes.
- Toxins, pharmaceutical drug side effects, such as steroid drugs, or photosensitizing drugs such as gout medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, antibiotics and diuretics.
- Smoking - the risk in ex-smokers is 50 percent higher compared to non smokers. Each cigarette also robs the body of 25 mg of vitamin C. Smokers have an increase in lipids (both fat and cholesterol) which increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease. These factors produce narrowing of the retina blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye.
- Diabetes and other diseases that affect multiple areas of the body such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Diabetics develop cataracts at an earlier age than non- diabetics. An accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the lens can induce osmotic swelling of the lens, which will lead to the development of a cataract.
- Poor nutrition and digestion. Nutritional deficiencies, such as in poor areas of Third World countries, can cause cataracts to develop early and progress faster. In every part of the world, people with poor digestion and chronic bowel problems have a fourfold higher incidence of cataracts.
- Heredity
- Aging of the Eyes - hardening of the lens occurs as we age.
- Sunlight - invisible ultraviolet light (UV light) which is one of the light frequencies of sunlight promotes free-radical damage to the lens. The effects of UV light are cumulative over time.
- Alcoholic Consumption - High intake of alcohol more than doubles the risk of developing cataracts. More than 7 drinks per week will increase the risk, while moderate use does not seem to increase the risk.
- What Supplements Do Help?
These drugs can cause or worsen cataracts: (also see "Drugs That Harm the Eyes" for a more complete list of harmful drugs:)
Photosensitizing drugs
Photosensitizing drugs (drugs that make you more sensitive to the sun) are drugs that absorb light energy and undergo a photochemical reaction resulting in chemical modification of tissue. They can make you more susceptible to cataracts and macular degeneration. The following is a list of those drugs:
- Antihistamines
- Birth control pills
- Tranquilizers
- Sulfa drugs
- Oral anti-diabetic drugs
- Antidepressants
- NSAIDS (for example ibuprofen, advil, meclofen).
- Steroids - may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts. Steroids work by mimicking the action of the body's own hormones to help control inflammation. They are usually prescribed for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Chrohn's Disease,and lupus. Long- term steroid use can cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and increases in intraocular pressure. These cataracts will develop in up to 50 per cent of people taking 10 to 15 milligrams of prednisone daily for one to two years. These cataracts are very dense and can cause a rapid loss of vision. They will not go away even after you stop the medication and will have to be surgically removed. Though not as common as cataracts, sustained treatment of steroids can cause a rise in intraocular pressure leading to glaucoma, though after the steroid use is stopped the intraocular pressure will return to normal. The bad news is any damage done by the rise in pressure will remain. Steroid use can also indirectly damage the eye by causing an increase in blood sugar therefore causing diabetes. If you must take steroids make sure you take high doses of anti-oxidants such as alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E , and lutein to help prevent cataract formation.
- Fluroquinone, terbinafine, mefloquine type antibiotics
- Glucocorticoids (Prednisone)
- Eretinate, isoretinoin
Conventional Treatment:
Surgery is the most common treatment for removing cataracts. Following are the three major methods:
- Extracapsular surgery: The lens is removed except for the back half of its outer covering.
- Phacoemulsification: Only the lens core is removed after breaking it up with ultrasound.
- Intracapsular: The entire lens and its capsule are removed. (This is rarely done.)
Most often, a plastic disc is inserted into the capsule, replacing the lens. This artificial lens is a permanent implant, except when it becomes clouded and needs replacement. Alternatives to an implant include a removable contact lens or special purpose eyeglasses.
Recovery from the operation itself takes only a day or so, but adjusting to the new lens can require weeks for some people, and as much as several months for others. For several weeks after surgery, using eye drops or ointment is recommended to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Note that cataract surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment, which may occur at a later date.
Complementary Treatment:
Shopping Tips
Essential: Can-C Eyedrops (see multiple box discount offers) -
with 1% N-Acetyl-Carnosine.
Essential: Cineraria Cataract Eye Drops -
the traditional homeopathic remedy found in the Ophthalmology section of the Physicians Desk reference for over 25 years as a treatment for cataracts.
Essential: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula -
Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle
Essential: Detox Formula 60 vcaps (DETO6) -
Detox Formula 60 vcaps (DETO6)
Essential: Vitamin C Complex 1000mg 120 vcaps -
1000 mg 120 vtabs with natural buffers to help the body utilize the vitamin C more efficiently,
Helpful: MSM Eyedrops 1 oz (30ml) -
contains natural occurring sulfur found in eggs and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower - has natural anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
Helpful: Dr. Grossman's Combo (Both Formulas) -
Best Deal - get both of Dr. Grossman's whole food formulas for just $57.90, a savings of $18.55 from retail prices monthly on Automatic delivery. Can be modified or cancelled at any time.
Helpful: Fruits N Greens 180 gm -
180 gram organic formula loaded with fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Recommended Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs & Other Nutritional Products
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:
Diet & Nutrition
- Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as One Plus Multivitamin or Dr. Grossman's Whole Food Multivitamin and/or an organic green drink.
- The Vision Diet - recommended in Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision, authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac. and Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac. This CD covers 29 major eye conditions including cataracts with specific nutrient, diet, exercise and juicing instructions by eye condition, plus much more.
- Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas
- Avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods) and man-made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil).
- 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). See see more info on juicing
- Eliminate deep fat fried foods
- Avoid 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).
Lifestyle & General Health
- Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
- Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
- 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.
- Manage your emotional health it's 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, prayer, etc.
Studies:
