More than half of people age 65 and over
have some degree of cataract development. Cataracts generally
develop slowly and vary in size, density and location. Their
impact on sight also is gradual -- for some people the first
symptoms are needing more light to read by or having trouble
seeing street signs. Cataracts also develop at different speeds
in both eyes, so a person may not be aware of the severity of a
faster-developing cataract because the other eye is strong
enough to compensate for a time. However, left unchecked,
cataracts' milky clouds can substantially obscure vision.
Eventually, for many people, the problem
becomes so severe that they undergo cataract surgery,
an outpatient procedure in which the surgeon removes
the clouded natural lens and then implants an artificial
lens to take its place. Assuming the surgury is successful,
the result is clear vision -- often virtually
instantaneously -- but with limitations. Because there is
no way for the implanted lens to change shape to accommodate
focusing at various distances the way a natural one does,
doctors adjust implants to allow viewing at middle distance.
This means that the patient will continue to need glasses
for close and far vision.
Holistic Help
Although many doctors say there
is nothing you can do about cataract development,
a few are taking a holistic approach. They claim that
there are definite steps you can take that will make
a difference. One of these eye experts,
E. Michael Geiger, OD, who practices in New York City
and is author of Eye Care Naturally (Safe Goods).
Dr. Geiger says that by controlling your environment
and diet, and taking certain supplements, you can slow
the onset of cataracts at the very least, perhaps lessen
their impact and, if you start early enough, prevent
them entirely.
Dr. Geiger's first advice concerns
the environment. Studies show that cataracts are more
common among people who smoke and for those who live
in sunnier climates and are subjected to greater UV-
ray exposure. Because we absorb so many UV rays before
the age of 18, it is important even for children to
wear UV-protected sunglasses. Adults should wear sunglasses
most of the time they are outside or invest in a
broad-brim hat that will keep the rays from striking
the eyes. As for smoking, the threat of cataracts is
yet another entry on the long list of why you
should not smoke.
Vitamin C and other Antioxidants
On the food front, Dr. Geiger
stresses the importance of vitamin C and other
antioxidants for eye health. He advises all kinds of
green vegetables, as well as carrots, onions, corn,
citrus fruits, cantaloupe and apples. He also recommends
garlic (it increases blood circulation, including to
the eyes) and he has a tip for maximizing its nutrients
-- after slicing, wait five minutes before cooking to
give it enough time to form a coat that seals in nutrients.
Sea vegetables (including seaweed and other types you see
in Japanese restaurants) also are good because they contain
selenium and other minerals. Seeds, almonds and whole
grains are helpful for the vitamin E they contain.
Fried Foods
Foods to avoid include fried foods
-- the oil used is often hydrogenated and frying
temperatures and aging can turn it rancid. Hydrogenated,
rancid oil is damaging to the eyes. Also avoid foods
barbecued over charcoal and smoked foods, which, he says,
have been associated with cataract development.
Swordfish, which often has high mercury content,
has also been linked to cataracts, he says.
Supplemental Information
Dr. Geiger is a strong supporter
of taking supplements for eye health. In addition to
a high-quality multivitamin, he advises taking specific
antioxidants, including lutein, the herb eyebright,
quercetin, selenium and zinc, vitamins C and E and
beta-carotene. He also suggests garlic as a supplement
(one tablet a day) and coenzyme Q10 because it, too,
enhances circulation. These should be prescribed by
an ND... or you can have an ND refer you to a natural
eye-care physician.
It's not a difficult regimen
to follow, but it is one that goes along with general
health guidelines. If you have high blood-sugar levels
or a family history of cataracts, be especially vigilant.
People with diabetes are three to four times at higher
risk of developing them.
