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Cataracts - Symptoms And Herbs For Cataracts Treatment

Cataracts Symptoms and Signs

The main symptom of a developing cataract is a gradual, painless loss of vision. Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the world, although the vast majority of cataract conditions can be successfully treated with surgery. Occasionally, a cataract may swell and cause secondary glaucoma. Common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurry vision
• Colors appear faded
• Frequent changes in prescription eyeglasses or contacts
• Poor night vision
• Seeing a halo around lights
• Sensitivity to bright sunlight or headlight glare at night

Types

The lens consists of three parts: the nucleus (center of the lens), the lens cortex (periphery), and the capsule (membrane that envelops the lens). Cataracts can form in any of these parts.

1. Nuclear cataracts
2. Cortical cataracts
3. Subcapsular cataracts

Causes of Cataracts

Cataract is often caused by free radical damage. Exposure to ultraviolet rays and low-level radiation from x-rays leads to the formation of reactive chemical fragments in the eye's lens. The resistance of the lens begins to decline in older people. Free radicals attack the structural proteins, enzymes, and cell membranes of the lens. The free radicals in our food, water, and environment are probably a major factor in the increasing number of cataracts in our population.

Herbs for Cataracts treatment

• Bilberry extract, taken orally, supplies bioflavonoids that aid in removing toxic chemicals from the retina of the eye.
• Ginkgo biloba improves microcapillary circulation.
• Increase your consumption of green leafy vegetables, especially collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens; legumes; yellow vegetables; flavonoid­rich berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and cherries; and foods rich in vitamins E and C, such as raw fruits and vegetables.
• Drink quality water, preferably steam-distilled water. This is absolutely necessary in cataract prevention. Avoid fluoridated and chlorinated water. Even water from deeply driven wells may not be safe, since many aquifers (under­ground water sources), especially those located near or under farmland, are contaminated with toxic residue from farm runoff.

Nutrients Treatment

Prevention tips

• Avoid dairy products, saturated fats, and any fats or oils that have been subjected to heat, whether by cooking or processing. These foods promote formation of free radicals, which can damage the lens. Use cold-pressed vegetable oils only.
• A number of heavy metals increase in concentration in the lenses of both aging people and people with cataracts. Cadmium, for instance, is found at levels two or three times higher than normal in lenses with cataracts. Concentrations of other metals, such as cobalt, nickel, iridium, and bromine, also are elevated.
• People who are deficient in the enzyme that converts galactose into glucose (ordinary blood sugar) develop cataracts much sooner than the rest of the population.
• Taking vitamin C supplements for at least a decade and eating a diet rich in antioxidants can lower the risk of cataracts.