According to the Centers for Disease Control, cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the US, with 20 million Americans over 40 years of age having cataract in one or both eyes (1). If left untreated, it may eventually lead to blindness. This article looks at the causes, symptoms, home remedies, and foods you can try to slow down the risk of developing cataracts. Scroll down to read more.
Home Remedies To Reduce The Risk Of Cataracts
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil exhibits powerful antioxidant properties (2). This may help repair the oxidative damage caused to the eyes. However, you need to be careful about selecting high-quality, pure castor oil as impurities in low-grade castor oil may cause eye irritation. 1-2 drops of hexane-free castor oil Do this once a day for 1-6 months.
2. Vitamins
Preliminary studies show that vitamins C and D may help prevent or slow down the progression of cataracts (3), (4). Hence, consume foods rich in these vitamins, like citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, avocados, and almonds. Note: Consult a doctor before taking additional supplements for these vitamins.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Rat studies show that apple cider vinegar has antioxidant properties (5). Thus, regular consumption of apple cider vinegar may help prevent vision disorders and damage to the retina.
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 glass of warm water 1 tablespoon of honey
Do this once a day.
4. Essential Oils
Frankincense and lavender essential oils exhibit great antioxidant potential (6), (7). Hence, they may help improve vision by preventing oxidative damage to the eye. 1-2 drops of frankincense or lavender oil Do this 1-2 times a day.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant (8). It may provide nourishment to the eyes and reduce or delay the signs of cataracts and other eye abnormalities. 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel Do this a few times daily.
6. Coconut Water
Coconut water is packed with electrolytes and has antioxidant potential (9). This may help in reducing oxidative damage caused to the eyes.
A few drops of coconut water A clean washcloth
Do this 2 times a day.
7. Flax seed Oil
Flax seed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (10). Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities (11). This may help reduce the risk of eye disorders, like macular degeneration and cataracts. ½-1 tablespoon of cold-pressed flax seed oil Add half to one tablespoon of flax seed oil to your favorite dish or smoothie. Do this daily.
8. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, which is a strong antioxidant (12). This may repair oxidative damage in the eyes. Peeled garlic cloves Do this 1-2 times a day.
9. Ginger
Ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (13), (14). These properties may help reduce inflammation and repair oxidative damage to the eyes.
½ teaspoon of ginger juice ½ teaspoon of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of water Cotton pads
Do this 1-2 times a day.
10. Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko biloba has strong antioxidant properties (15). This may protect the lens from cataract formation. 40-120 mg of ginkgo biloba supplements Take 40-120 mg of ginkgo biloba supplements after consulting your doctor. Do this once a day.
11. Green Tea
Green tea is packed with polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants (16). These polyphenols may help protect the eye lens from further damage and reverse existing cataracts to a certain extent.
1 teaspoon of green tea 1 cup of water
Drink this 2 times a day.
12. Honey
Honey is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound (17). It may help treat existing damage to the eye lens and may also prevent future issues.
1 teaspoon of honey 1-1 ½ teaspoons of water
Do this 1-2 times a day.
13. Lemon Juice
The citric acid present in lemon juice has antioxidant properties (18). Rat studies showed that it might help reduce the risk of cataracts (18).
½ teaspoon of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of water Cotton pads
Do this at least once a day.
14. Onion Juice
Onion is a rich source of flavonoids and was found to prevent cataract formation in rat studies (19).
1 teaspoon of fresh onion juice 2 teaspoons of water
Do this 1-2 times a day.
15. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheat grass is rich in beta-carotene and also exhibits antioxidant properties (20). This may make wheatgrass an excellent home remedy for reducing the risk of cataracts. 1-2 ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice Consume 1 to 2 ounces of wheatgrass juice daily. Do this for a few weeks.
16. Olive Oil
Olive oil is packed with antioxidants (21). This may help repair damaged lenses and keep the eyes nourished and moisturized (22). Olive oil (as required) Do this on a regular basis. Faster diagnosis of cataracts may assure faster treatment and can prevent further complications in the eyes.
Diagnosis
Doctors may run the following tests to look for a developing cataract:
A comprehensive eye test that includes an eye chart test to check the distant vision and a tonometry test to measure your eye pressure. Testing the eye’s sensitivity to glare. Testing how you perceive colors.
In addition to the remedies, one must also eat right. Given below are some foods that may help delay the development of cataracts.
Best Foods For Cataracts
Since excess oxidative stress is believed to be one of the main causes of cataracts, foods rich in antioxidants may help. Consume foods like:
Citrus fruits Green leafy vegetables Guavas Bell peppers Papaya Broccoli
Beta-carotene rich foods may also help delay or prevent cataract formation. A few of them include:
Carrots Sweet potato Kale Spinach Turnip
You may also follow these prevention tips to prevent the formation of cataracts.
Prevention Tips
Quit smoking. Wear shades while out in the sun. Limit your alcohol intake. Keep a check on the blood sugar levels. Get your eyes tested regularly. Do not strain your eyes for long periods.
Cataracts may be classified into different types based on their cause and where they develop.
Types Of Cataracts
The different types of cataracts include:
Nuclear Cataracts: These are formed in the center of the lens and may cause the nucleus of the lens to turn brownish or yellowish. Cortical Cataracts: These are wedge-shaped and are formed around the nucleus (center) of the lens. Posterior Cataracts: These affect the back of the lens and are formed faster than the former types. Congenital Cataracts: These cataracts are present at birth or may surface during the child’s first year. Secondary Cataracts: Secondary cataracts are often a result of health conditions like diabetes and glaucoma or medications like steroids. Traumatic Cataracts: Cataracts that are a result of trauma to the eyes over the years are called traumatic cataracts. Radiation Cataracts: As the name suggests, this type of cataract occurs after an individual undergoes radiation for cancer.
Let’s look at the various causes of cataracts and risk factors of the condition.
Causes Of And Risk Factors For Cataracts
Cataracts may occur due to:
Overproduced oxidants Trauma or injury Radiation Medications like steroids Smoking Exposure to ultraviolet radiation Medical issues like diabetes and glaucoma Smoking
Factors that may put a person at a higher risk of developing cataracts include:
Advancing age Alcohol abuse Obesity High blood pressure Past injuries to your eye A history of cataracts in your family
The following are some of the most common signs that surface with the development of cataracts.
Signs And Symptoms Of Cataracts
Blurry vision Reduced vision at night. Colors look faded. Your sensitivity to glare increases. Visibility of halos while looking directly at the light. Double vision The power of your prescription glasses keeps changing.
What is the average age for cataracts? Individuals aged between 41-60 years and above are commonly affected by cataracts. This clearly shows that advancing age is one of the leading risk factors for this condition. What will happen if a cataract is left untreated? Cataracts may cause legal blindness if left untreated. When not treated for longer periods, they may cause total blindness. Can you remove a cataract without surgery? Currently, some eye drops are being tested for dissolving cataracts without the need for surgery. Also, the natural remedies mentioned above may help in reducing the risk of cataracts. How long does it take to get a cataract removed? Surgery for cataracts hardly takes 10 minutes. However, the blurriness after surgery may take anywhere between 24 hours to even two weeks (in rare cases) to clear. How long can you have a cataract before you go blind? There is no clear way to determine this. The way cataracts form depends on the patient’s health and whether the cataracts were due to an injury or an age-related disorder. The majority of cataracts develop gradually, so it is crucial to schedule routine eye checkups with your ophthalmologist.
