Cataracts Health Article

Causes & symptoms

Recent studies have been conducted to determine whether diet or the use of vitamins might have an effect on the formation of cataracts in older people. Although debate continues, several studies reported in late 2001 that a diet rich in certain caretenoids may protect against development of cataracts. Likewise, there has been considerable interest in the use of antioxidant supplements as a protection against cataracts. Such antioxidant vitamins as vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene protect body tissues against free radicals, which are byproducts of oxidation. Vitamin C in particular, has shown the strongest impact on lower rates of cataracts. Some vitamins are marketed specifically for the eyes. Patients should speak to their doctors about the use of such vitamins.

Studies also have recently linked changes in lens proteins to cataract formation. Soluble proteins in the lens begin to condense and form clumps, leading to cataracts. Researchers have identified mutations in genes that likely lead to protein changes resulting in juvenile cataracts. The next step is to study a possible genetic relationship to formation of age-related cataracts as well.

Smoking and alcohol intake have been implicated in cataract formation. Some studies have determined that a diet high in fat will increase the likelihood of cataract formation, while eating more foods rich in antioxidants will lower the risk. More research is needed to determine if diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, or vitamins have any connection to the formation of cataracts.

Cataracts may have the following symptoms:

• gradual, painless onset of blurry, filmy, or fuzzy vision
• poor central vision
• frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• changes in color vision
• increased glare from lights, especially oncoming headlights when driving at night
• "second sight" improvement in near vision (no longer needing reading glasses), but a decrease in distance vision
• spoor vision in sunlight
• the presence of a milky whiteness in the pupil as the cataract progresses

Diagnosis

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists may detect and monitor cataract growth and prescribe prescription lenses for visual deficits. Only an ophthalmologist, however, can perform cataract extraction.

Cataracts are easily diagnosed from the reporting of symptoms, a visual acuity examination using an eye chart, and by a physician or optometrist's examination of the eye. Shining a penlight into the pupil may reveal opacities or a color change of the lens even before the patient develops visual symptoms. A slit lamp, which is basically a large microscope, allows the doctor to examine the front of the eye and the lens, and to determine the location of the cataract.

Some other diagnostic tests may be used to determine if cataracts are present or how much improvement the patient may have after surgery. These tests include a glare test, potential vision test, and contrast sensitivity test.

Treatment

Because free radicals have been implicated as a cause of cataracts, alternative therapies emphasize the importance of a healthful diet, nutritional supplements and/or herbal remedies to prevent and slow down the progression of cataracts.

Nutritional therapy

A naturopathic doctor or a nutritionist may recommend the following dietary changes:

• Reduce consumption of salty or fatty foods. Diabetics should also limit their intake of milk and other dairy products.
• Increase intake of foods that are high in beta-carotene: peaches, apricots, berries, carrots, and leafy green vegetables. Beta-carotene and other antioxidants can protect against or slow down the development of cataracts.
• Stop cigarette smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with high concentrations of vitamin C. Take supplemental vitamin C (1 g three times daily) and vitamin A (25,000 IU per day).
• Take supplemental beta-carotene (25,000–100,000 IU per day) and selenium (400 mcg per day). Low selenium levels may increase the risk of cataracts.
• Increase intake of L-cysteine (400 mg per day), L-glutamine (200 mg per day), and L-glycine (200 mg per day). These three amino acids may be beneficial to some cataract patients.
• Add other supplements: zinc, lutein, riboflavin, and cod liver oil.

Herbal therapy

There are two herbal remedies that may help protect the eyes against cataracts:

• Bilberries (40–80 mg daily). Early research indicates that eating bilberries may halt cataract progression.
• Hachimijiogan. Hachimijiogan is an ancient Chinese herbal formula. Animal studies suggest that it may protect the eyes against cataracts by increasing the glutathione content of the lens.