The lens, one of the eye's primary focusing mechanisms, is located just behind the pupil. A normal lens is transparent, allowing light into the eye. Cataracts, however, renders a lens cloudy, making it difficult for the necessary light to enter. Although cataracts typically start in only one eye, both eyes usually become affected with time, causing either largely diminished sight or total blindness. Cataracts usually develop gradually many people don't realize that they have the condition until they struggle to pass a vision test.

Cataracts is one of the world's most common vision problems. In fact, approximately 16 million people worldwide are blind because of cataracts.

Age plays a significant role in the formation of cataracts-many people develop some clouding of the lens after age 60. Yet age isn't the only cause. Diabetes mellitus, family predisposition, long-term use of corticosteroid drugs, and overexposure to ultraviolet rays can all lead to cataracts.

An eye injury can also cause cataract formation later in life. In rare instances, infants are born with cataracts or develop the condition shortly after birth.

Signs and Symptoms

Blurry or distorted vision in one or both eyes, which sometimes worsens in bright light

Appearance of "halos" of light around bright lights or lighted objects

Impaired night vision

Conventional Medical Treatment

An ophthalmologist tests for cataracts with a complete eye examination, a slit-lamp examination, and perhaps, ultrasonography to further evaluate the opacity of the lens. If the diagnosis is cataracts, glasses and contact lenses may be able to offer temporary help.

If your lack of vision begins to interfere with everyday activities, your physician may recommend cataract surgery. Under general or local anesthesia, the clouded lens is removed from the eye and, in most cases, replaced with an artificial one. The surgery, done on an outpatient basis, typically takes one hour. More than 98 percent of all cataract operations result in improved vision.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

An important factor in cataract prevention is drinking water. Drink lots of filtered water; avoid fluoridated and chlorinated water. Eliminate dairy products and saturated fats, which promote the formation of free radicals and can damage the lens. Use only cold-pressed oils. Medical journals report an association between cigarettes and cataracts, probably because smoking generates free radicals.

Nutritionists recommend the following daily supplements:

Most Important

copper (3 mg)-important for proper healing and, along with manganese, retards the growth of cataracts

manganese (10 mg taken separate from calcium)

glutathione (as directed on label)-helps maintain a healthy lens; slows the progression of cataracts

vitamin A (25,000 to 50,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU if you are pregnant)-vital for normal vision

mixed carotenoid formula (as directed on label)-a precursor of vitamin A

vitamin B1 (thiamine) (50 mg)-important for intracellular eye metabolism

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 mg 4 times daily)-a free radical destroyer

itamin E (400 IU)-helps arrest and reverse cataract formation

zinc (30 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-protects against light induced damage

Also Recommended

selenium (400 mcg)-destroys free radicals

riboflavin (50 mg)-a deficiency has been linked to cataracts

(Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment)

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture In treating cataracts, the acupuncturist usually pinpoints Bladder 1, Stomach 1, Large Intestine 4, and Triple Warmer 6, along with related auricular points and associated points, following a complete diagnosis.

Acupressure Cataracts can be treated by firmly massaging the acupressure points around the eye socket and on the cheeks, forehead, and temple.

Chinese Herbal Therapy The herbal formula Dendrobium Moniliforme Night Sight Pills also may be prescribed for cataracts. Because Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes most eye disorders to liver dysfunction, an herbalist may also prescribe tonics to strengthen this organ and improve the flow of chi within the liver meridian.