Cataracts: What You Need to Know
Have you or a loved one been experiencing blurry or dim vision without any eye pain? Are colors and lights growing dull through your eyes? Cataracts may be the culprit.
Read on to learn all about cataracts, including prevention, symptoms, and natural treatments for cataracts.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy area of the normally transparent lens of the eye.
It is the job of the lens – located behind the iris, the colored part of the eye – to focus light onto the retina. The retina then sends the seen image to the brain through the optic nerve.
Depending on the size and location of the cataract, the passage of light through the lens and onto the retina can become scattered or blocked by a cataract and cause vision problems or blindness.
It is common for cataracts to develop in both eyes, but one can become worse than the other.
Cataracts can start or grow faster when a person is experiencing serious health issues, such as diabetes, a cancer diagnosis or treatment, stroke, etc.
We typically see cataracts develop in people aged 55 and older, but they can occur in infants and young children.
Cataract Prevention
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), there are no clinically proven approaches to preventing cataracts.
However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of cataracts.
- Reduce exposure to harmful sun radiation by wearing sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses
- Take nutritional supplements
- Stop smoking
- Increase fruit and leafy green vegetable intake to boost antioxidant vitamin and phytochemical consumption
A Healthy Diet and Cataract Prevention
Consistently following an all-encompassing, healthy diet may decrease your risk of cataracts.
The antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables that may be linked to a reduced risk of cataracts include vitamins A, C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, has also been linked to the potential reduced risk or progression of cataracts.
Cataract Symptoms
When a cataract starts to form, it may only affect a small part of the eye lens, making symptoms and vision loss unnoticeable. When the cataract grows and clouds more of the eye’s lens, symptoms become more prominent.
Early signs of cataracts can appear when driving at night – especially on wet roads – or when driving into the sunrise or sunset becomes aggravating or difficult.
According to the AOA, some of the main signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred, dim, cloudy, or hazy vision
- Reduced intensity of colors
- Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, such as night driving
- Increased difficulty seeing at night
Cataract Treatment
If a cataract is small in size and not impairing vision, no treatment is needed.
Additionally, adjusting an eyeglass prescription may temporarily improve vision. This includes anti-glare coatings on lenses for night driving (reducing glare) and reading (increasing light). Regular eye exams are essential here, as the cataract and vision impairment must be monitored.
If a cataract starts to impair a person’s vision, surgery may be required. According to Prevent Blindness, cataract surgery has restored vision to millions of people. Two million cataract surgeries are performed every year in the U.S.
Natural treatment for cataracts
Some patients search for a cataract treatment without surgery. People who catch cataracts early are able to manage the disease by implementing natural treatments for cataracts, such as:
- Eating more nutrients, as noted above
- Drinking more water
- Reducing stress
When to see an optometrist about your cataract symptoms
Preventing vision loss starts with regular eye exams. As soon as you notice any changes in your vision, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist. If your vision changes suddenly, such as sudden eye pain, double vision, or flashes of light, it’s best to consult with your doctor immediately.
Your vision is precious. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cataracts or have been experiencing cataract symptoms, let I Care Vision help you take the best care of your eyes.
Learn about our effective treatment for serious eye diseases, or contact us today to learn more about homeopathic, natural treatments for cataracts.
