Cataracts Symptoms Causes Suggestions

Cataracts are a condition in which the lens of the eye (crystalline lens) becomes cloudy or opaque. It becomes difficult to focus on objects and things seem dark to the person. The whitish or opaque appearance indicates a change in the lens fibers. It is similar to the change in color of an egg white when it is cooked.

Symptoms:Progressive loss of vision, no pain but some sensitivity to light. Sometimes you can see radiance around points of light

The most common causes are:

• Diabetes and the combination of drinking large quantities of milk and not being able to process galactose, which is a sugar abundant in milk.
• Deposits of calcium and cholesterol in the capillaries of the eyes which reduce blood circulation to the eyes.
• They can also be caused by a blow or injury to the eye, and by inadequate nutrition.
• Too much sun tanning can cause cataracts since the suns ultraviolet rays cloud the crystalline lens causing opacity of the lens. The effect light produces on the lens is similar to that of heating of an egg white, it become opaque. Cataracts also seem to be part of the normal aging process. Also, exposure to X-rays can cause them.

Suggestion: Consists of taking Vitamin-A (Beta Carotene), C and B2 (Riboflavin). The principal antioxidants in the lens of the eye are vitamin C and E; both are needed to activate glutathione. (Glutathione is a protein fragment which protects the eye from damage produced by free radicals). It has been found that the absence of these vitamins encourages the growth of cataracts.

It is also important to maintain an adequate amount of calcium, vitamins B5 and E, Selenium and Zinc. (In case suffering from diabetes consult the diabetes section also and add natural-B).

Suggested food supplements:

Suggested vitamins and minerals