Cataracts
Synopsis of Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by clouding of the lens, which leads to blurred or impaired vision. The lens, located behind the iris and pupil, focuses light onto the retina to create clear images. When proteins in the lens clump together or break down, they form cloudy areas that interfere with light transmission, leading to vision problems. Cataracts often develop slowly and are associated with aging, but can also result from genetic factors, eye injuries, certain diseases, or exposure to harmful environmental elements.
Types of Cataracts:
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Nuclear Cataract: Forms in the center of the lens; commonly linked with aging.
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Cortical Cataract: Develops in the lens cortex, affecting the edges before spreading inward.
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Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: Forms at the back of the lens; progresses faster and affects near vision.
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Congenital Cataract: Present at birth or develops in childhood due to genetic or prenatal factors.
Common Causes:
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Aging (most prevalent cause)
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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure
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Smoking
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Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
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Prolonged use of corticosteroids
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Eye trauma or surgery
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Genetic predisposition
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Nutritional deficiencies (particularly antioxidants)
Severity Factors:
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Early-stage cataracts may present as slight vision blur or glare around lights.
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As cataracts progress, vision becomes increasingly cloudy, colors may fade, and night vision deteriorates.
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Severe cataracts can result in significant vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
When to See a Doctor:
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Persistent blurred or cloudy vision
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Increased difficulty seeing at night
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Sensitivity to light and glare
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Seeing halos around lights
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Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
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Fading or yellowing of colors
Natural remedies for Cataracts
Protect eyes from UV rays: Wear sunglasses that block 100% UVA/UVB.
Improve lighting: Use brighter lights in living and reading areas.
Diet rich in antioxidants: Consume foods high in vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids.
Manage health conditions: Control diabetes and other underlying health issues.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Reduces risk of oxidative damage.
Regular eye exams: Early detection can help manage progression.
Use magnifying lenses: To assist with reading or close-up tasks.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Cataracts
alpha lipoic acid
alpha-carotene
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
beta-carotene
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
carrot
catalase
cryptoxanthin
d-alpha tocopherol
fish oil
grape
green tea
lutein
lycopene
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
zeaxanthin
zinc
mugwort
dodder
polyphenols
Allium tuberosum Rottl.
Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercetin
Ajuga
Anthocyanin
Alpha Lipoic Acid
alpha-carotene
anthocyanidins
Acetyl-l-glutathione
Astaxanthin
Anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
Antioxidant (unspecified)
Apocarotenal
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Bioflavonoids (mixed)
Bog Bilberry
Blueberry (unspecified)
Boerhavia diffussa
Boron
Blueberry
bilberry
Bovine (not specified)
Boerhavia diffusa
Cucurbita moschata
Carotenoid
Cryptoxanthin
Cryptoxanthin
carotenoids
Carotenoids
Carrot
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
carotenoids
Cupric ascorbate
Carotene (unspecified)
Cyanidin-3-glucoside
Dragonhead
Dodder
Dwarf Bilberry
Flavin mononucleotide
Flavonoid (mixture)
Flavonoid (unspecified)
Flavor/Color (Natural & Artificial)
Flavanoid (mixture)
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Haematococcus pluvialis
Indian Gooseberry
Ignatius Bean
L-Methionine
Lutein
Lotus (unspecified)
Lutein
Luo Han Guo
Lycopene
Mixed Carotenoids
N-Acetyl Carnosine
orange pigment
Phyllanthus (unspecified)
Peach
Pearl
Polyphenols (unspecified)
polyphenols (various)
Phytoestrol (unspecified)
Riboflavin (B2)
Sialic acid
SOD (Superoxide Dismutase, antioxidant activity)
Superoxide Dismutase
Squash (unspecified)
silica
Sesbania grandiflora
Trichosanthes
Vitamin E (unspecified)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine phosphate)
Vitamin A (retinol acetate)
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin selenite)
Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocomonoenol)
Vitamin E (natural tocopherols)
Vitamin E (tocopherol ascorbyl palmitate)
Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin E (alpha tocopheryl)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (alpha tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin E (tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (tocotrienol unspecified)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin E (delta tocopherol)
Vitamin E (beta tocopherol)
Vitamin C (mixed)
Vitamin E (mixed)
Vegetable Source
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate)
Vitamin E (beta and delta tocopherols)
Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (unspecified tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin A
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin A (not specified)
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
Vietnamese sophora
Vitamin E (alpha tocotrienol)
Vitamin A (mixed)
Vitamin E (tocopherol not specified)
Viramin E (mixed tocopherols)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl hydrochloride)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols/tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols/tocopherols)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
Vitamin E (not specified)
Vitamin E (vitamin E acetate)
Vitamin A (unspecified)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (gamma unspecified)
Vitamin (unspecified)
Vitamin E (alpha tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (delta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
Wulinshen
Xanthophyll
Xanthophyls
Yam (unspecified)
Zeaxanthin
