| A cataract is a cloudy area which gradually forms in
the lens of the eye, causing a slowly progressive deterioration in vision. This begins
with an inability to see detail clearly and distortion of the visual image in bright light
and often continues until the visual field is completely clouded and the person can no
longer read or distinguish objects clearly. Macular degeneration is the gradual loss of
the light-sensitive cells in the retina of the eye where the visual image is the sharpest.
Macular degeneration results in central visual field blindness. Formation of Cataracts
Cataracts usually occur in middle-aged or older people, though some
cataracts are the result of infections in the womb. Others are caused by medications such
as steroids or by illnesses like diabetes. New research indicates that as many as 70% of
cataracts are the result of chronically low levels of vitamins called antioxidants.
Vitamins A, C and E and beta-carotene are important antioxidants which are often not
present in sufficiently high levels in people's bodies. In one study middle-aged women who
took vitamin C for 10 years or more had significantly fewer cataracts than women who took
no vitamin supplements, while another study indicates that taking antioxidant supplements
can prevent the damage to the lens which causes cataracts.
How to prevent?
 Some foods and herbs may help prevent
cataracts and may help slow their progression if they are already present. Milk, chicken,
and yogurt-provide Vitamin B 2, also called riboflavin, which aids in prevention of
cataracts. Bilberry extract is high in bioflavinoids, potent antioxidants that are
beneficial in neutralizing the free radicals that are probably responsible for these eye
diseases. Spinach, kale, broccoli, and other dark, green leafy vegetables contain beta
carotene and vitamin C which may also slow their progression.
Avoid dairy products, saturated fats, and fats or oil that have been
subjected to heat because these promote formation of free radicals which can damage the
lens. Use cold-pressed vegetable oils only. If you already have cataracts, avoid using
antihistamines.
Treatment
The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. If the visual
impairment is significant the lens is removed and a plastic lens is inserted in its place
in the eye, or the patient wears strong glasses or contacts to substitute for the function
of the lens.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration usually occurs in older people who notice a
gradual reduction in the clarity and sharpness of their vision. Examinations by eye
doctors can determine the cause for the loss of vision. It appears from recent research
that the same antioxidants which seem to protect from cataracts are concentrated in the
macula. When they are present in amounts which are too low, the risk of macular
degeneration rises dramatically. Estimates are that as many as 60-70% of cases of
age-related macular degeneration are the result of low levels of these vitamins.
How to prevent?
According to most authorities, once macular degeneration begins
nothing can be done to stop it from progressing to blindness. Some doctors have reported,
however, that in some cases high doses of the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and
beta-carotene have stopped the progression of macular degeneration and may have caused its
partial reversal. This has not yet been verified by scientific investigation.
Causes of Macular Degeneration
Many different factors are probably involved in causing macular
degeneration, and may include heredity, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and
environmental toxins. Factors which counteract these, like many of the same things which
help prevent cataracts, strokes and heart disease, can also protect you from developing
age-related macular degeneration.
Antioxidant vitamins are important!
The lesson from what is known about cataracts and macular
degeneration is simple: antioxidant vitamins are important, and eating foods rich in
antioxidants as well as possibly taking vitamin supplements may be the best way to ensure
that you have enough of them in your body |
