Cataracts

Last week my father went through cataract surgery and before any major procedures are done on anyone in my family I research. The following is what I uncovered. I hope you find it helpful for yourself or a family member.

CataractsStudies show that because we are living longer most people will develop cataracts. Cataracts impair vision by the progressive clouding ofthe lens of the eye.

The clouding is caused by damage to the protein of the lens of the eye.It has also been shown that you are more likely to develop cataracts if you smoke, have diabetes, are exposed to excessive sunlight, have low blood levels of antioxidants or you eat a diet low in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

There are three major antioxidants in the lens of the eye. They are vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione, an antioxidant enzyme. All three work together in a chain reaction - vitamin C activates vitamin E, which in turn activates glutathione.

As we age the vitamin C and levels in our eyes decrease, increasing our risk of cataract. However, several studies have shown that by simply taking a vitamin C supplement, we can prevent this decrease and lower our risk of developing cataracts.

Eating a diet that includes plenty of foods rich in beta-carotene or by supplementing with vitamin A has also been shown to lower the risk of cataracts. Although as yet reseearch is still unclear whether beta-carotene itself protects the eye or if the beta-carotene is found in foods that contain other protective nutrients. It has been found that people who eat lots of spinach appear to be at low risk for cataracts, spinach is high in lutein, a nutrient similar to beta-carotene.

The herb Bilberry may be helpful in reducing the risk of cataract. Bilberry is a close relative of the blueberry, and is high in the bioflavonoid complex anthocyanosides. This potent antioxidant can reduce our risk of cataract by protecting both the lens and the retina from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress, particularly from exposure to ultraviolet light, appears to play a central role in cataract development.

So to sum up my findings I found that to minimize your risk of developing cataracts wear sunglasses outside during the day, quit smoking, and eat plenty of citrus fruits, peppers and dark green leafy vegetables and include the supplements listed below to your daily diet.

Vitamins

1. Vitamin C
2. Vitamin E
3. Vitamin A/Beta-Carotene
4. LuteinB Complex - including B2 & B3
5. Quercetin

Puritan's Pride has a great supplement Lutein Herbavision Complex includes Lutein (pronounced Loo-teen), an antioxidant extracted from green and yellow plants, particularly marigolds. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed Lutein may support eye health through its antioxidant properties.** They've include (6 mg.) of Lutein from nature-fresh marigolds. In addition, they've added (20 mg.) of standardized extract of Bilberry, the herb long associated with eye health. Adults can take one softgel one to two times daily.
HERBAVISION/LUTEIN BILBERRY