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Natural herbal &
homeopathic remedies useful in preventing & controlling cataracts
Cataract
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - EYES AND VISION - cATARACT
Your eye, which is no larger than a Ping-Pong ball, has millions of
electrical connections and is capable of handling more than 1.5
million messages at any given point of time. Its front window is the
dime-size cornea which starts the seeing process by bending light
rays into orderly patterns. Next comes pupil (the hole in the
iris-colored part of the eye) which acts as an adjustable gateway
for light by closing as the light gets bright and opening wide as it
becomes dark. The light then falls on the lens - size and shape of an
oval pill filled with fluid. The lens is surrounded by a ring of
tiny, extremely strong, very hard-working muscles. When these
muscles tense, the lens fatten for near vision; when they relax, it
flatten for distant vision.
The anterior chamber (aqueous humour) - one which is in front of the
lens is filled with water like fluid that helps keep it firmly
inflated. The lens, then focus the light rays through the vitreous humour onto the retina. The vitreous humour is a chamber filled with
a fluid about the consistency of egg white. Both fluids in their
respective chambers must be absolutely clear to permit the passage
of light. The rays falling on the retina make an upside-down image
of the object. Then, the retina’s cone and rod cells covert the
light into nerve impulses, which are then sent via the optic nerve
to the visual cortex at the back of the brain.
On the way up to the visual cortex, the optic nerves from each eye
meet at the optic chiasma. It is here that the nerve fibers from the
inner side of the retina cross over to the opposite side of the
brain. These impulses from each eye reach both sides of the visual
cortex, where they are coordinated and interpreted the right way up.
Unfortunately, many of us are not born with perfect eyes, nor do we
have the luxury of clear vision for most of our lives. Also, because
their structure is so delicate and complex, our eyes are subject to
a variety of injuries, diseases and disorders, some of which are
pretty serious. In addition to all these, misconceptions about the
eyes and poor care of them often results in permanently reduced
vision.
Some of the common disorders are
glaucoma, cataract and
macular
degeneration. Below you will find cataract’s symptoms, causes and
the generally applicable herbal remedies and nutrition plans to come
out of them as fast as possible, and also to prevent it in totality,
as well as from causing further damage. Basically you will learn how
to promote a lifetime of clear vision for yourself and your family.
 Cataracts
Cataract is one of the most common eye disorders. A cataract refers
to that area of the lens of your eye which has become whitish and
opaque (cloudy) instead of remaining clear due to the formation of
clumps of protein. This damage impairs vision and blindness ensues
when no light rays can permeate the opacity of the lens. Cataract is
a painless disease.
People experiencing symptoms associated with cataracts should see an
eye care professional. The doctor can make a diagnosis and help
determine which treatment or combination of therapies is most
appropriate.
Usually, your doctor will perform the following tests to detect
cataracts:
• Visual acuity test - measures vision at various distances
• Tonometry - measures fluid pressure inside the eye
• Pupil dilation - the pupil is widened with eye drops to reveal
more of the lens and retina
Once cataracts become large enough that vision loss interferes with
everyday activities such as driving, reading, or watching
television, they should be surgically removed.
It is unlikely that any nutritional supplements or herbs can reverse
existing cataracts, although it is possible they might help prevent
cataracts from becoming worse.
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Blurred or fuzzy vision (often described as a "fog") -
the patient finds it difficult to see things in focus |
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Double vision |
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Brown spots in the visual field. Sometimes, both double
vision and spots occur as the disease progresses |
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Vision in twilight may be better than that in full
daylight as light gets admitted round the more
widely-dilated pupil in the dark |
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Halo around lights |
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Color perception gets faded |
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Poor night vision (night blindness) |
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Need for extra light while reading or doing close work |
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Visual disturbances caused by bright lights such as
headlights and sunrays |
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Your contact lens or eyeglasses number may change
frequently
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The concept of ‘Second sight’! - When an
individual who normally wears reading glasses can
suddenly read without them, it is called second sight.
It is yet another symptom of cataract
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There
are basically two factors that contribute to the loss of
transparency of the lens: a) deterioration in the nutrition (read
protein level) of the lens which diminishes the vitality and
resistance power of the delicate lens fibers; and b) deposits of
acids and salts between the lens fibers which have an irritating
effect on the lens tissues and exert an increasing pressure on its
delicate fibers, gradually destroying and disintegrating them.
As in the case of many other diseases as well, poisons in the blood
stream due to dietetic (of or relating to the diet) errors as well as faulty style of living, are
the real cause of cataract. The toxins in the blood stream spread
throughout the body to find shelter in any available weak spot like
your eye lens if it has become weak due to stress, strain and other
below mentioned reasons. The condition then becomes worse with time
and results in cataract formation.
The usual suspects of cataract formation actually make a pretty long
list:
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Age-related cataracts – as a result of slow oxidation
occurring in the lens of the eye |
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Congenital cataracts – those that are present at the
time of birth or develop quite early in the childhood.
These kind of cataracts usually affect both the eyes |
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Metabolic disorders (such as
diabetes mellitus) |
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Obesity – it is generally seen across different
societies that
obese people are more prone to cataracts |
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Traumatic reason – those developing due to an eye injury |
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Stress and strain |
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Excessive intake of sugar and salt |
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Genetic diseases such as Down syndrome and Galactosaemia |
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Certain medications (such as steroids) |
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Gastro-intestinal or gall-bladder disturbances |
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Fatty acid intolerance |
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Certain vitamin deficiencies fatty acid intolerance |
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Maternal infection (such as rubella), drug ingestion, or
radiation therapy during pregnancy |
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Eye disorders (such as
glaucoma) |
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Excessive smoking |
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Excessive alcohol intake |
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High-voltage electrical injury |
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Excessive exposure to sunlight
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For
many, surgery may seem like a fairly drastic approach to dealing
with cataracts, and as a result they put off the surgery and look
for alternative treatments. Luckily enough, nature has a few
effective herbal remedies that not only help with overall eye
health, but have been shown to be effective in the natural
prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma,
cataracts and macular degeneration thus promoting recovery and
preventing complications!
A well known herb for eye health is Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry)
which is used to strengthen eye capillaries, prevent eye-related
disease and infection, and restore the eyes to a problem-free state.
Other herbal ingredients such as Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and
Sutherlandia frutescens work as effective anti-oxidants and assist
to maintain a healthy supply of blood, oxygen and essential
nutrients to the eye – all of which are essential to the rapid
recovery from any eye condition.
Vizu-All Plus is a natural remedy that may help maintain
healthy eyes and circulatory health. Vizu-All Plus may also
help lessen common problems associated with night vision and eye
sensitivity often associated with the normal aging process.
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Vaccinium myrtillus (Billberry) - Most famous use
of bilberry is in the treatment for vein and lymphatic
disorders. This is achieved by the berries of bilberry
which are rich in anthocyanins that strengthen the
capillaries and reduce their permeability. This
facilitates delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients
to the eye and has been shown to be effective in the
prevention and treatment of cataracts. Other
constituents of the bilberry berry are vitamin C,
tannins and catechin, a polyphenol. Anthocyanins, which
are antioxidants, along with vitamin C fight against the
free radicals present in the food and the atmosphere.
These, together with vitamin E, have proved to be very
good in treating eyesight related problems like
cataracts. It also reduces the incidence of hemorrhage
in the eye which is usually associated with diabetes.
The naturally occurring antioxidants appear to have
numerous potentially important actions within the eye.
Studies have also suggested that certain
eye symptoms, normally associated with the natural aging
process can be effectively managed using bilberry. In
addition, Vaccinium myrtillus has been shown to be of
great benefit with regards to supporting eye health when
particular underlying conditions are present. |
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Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) - This herb is found
in the Cedarberg mountains in the Western Cape of South
Africa. Rooibos, just like bilberry, also has powerful
anti-oxidant properties, mainly due to its supeoxide
dismutase (SOD) mimetic properties. SOD is an enzyme in
the body which is especially designed to neutralize
unstable free radicals as soon as they occur and can
therefore help to prevent retinopathy. It is also
considered an effective all round tonic and restorative
and the one that balances blood sugar levels. Rooibos’s
high mineral content helps in maintaining healthy
metabolism. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and
enhancing immunity. It is an extremely nutritious herb,
containing Vitamin C, Alphahydroxy Acid, potassium,
copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and
fluoride. All these minerals have been shown to have great
benefit with regards to eye health. |
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Sutherlandia frutescens (Kanker Bossie) was
originally used by the indigenous Khoi and San peoples
of Southern Africa and is indigenous to this region.
Research has shown that Sutherlandia contains the active
ingredients canavanine, pinitol, and the amino acid GABA.
Recent research has confirmed the adaptogenic properties
of Sutherlandia as well as its anti-oxidant effects. |
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Green tea (Camellia sinensis) – The unfermented
green tea leaves are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids,
other volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, tannins and
caffeine. The polyphenols get altered when they are
fermented, as in black tea. Polyphenols, the main
constituents of green tea, are extremely strong
antioxidants (stronger than vitamin C) that eat up the
free radicals. Polyphenols contained in teas are
classified as catechins. Green tea contains six primary
catechin compounds: catechin, gallaogatechin,
epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and
apigallocatechin gallate (also known as EGCG). EGCG
amongst all of them is of primary interest and the most
active also. Green tea helps in cataracts in many ways.
The polyphenols block the intestinal absorption of
cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body. In
male smokers, green tea significantly reduces blood
levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. Green tea has also
been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the
body as it helps in regulating glucose in the body. It
works in obesity and people with sedentary lifestyle as
well by boosting metabolism and help burn fat. Again,
the catechins (polyphenols) are responsible for the
herb's fat-burning effect. |
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As the main cause of cataracts is believed to be the
oxidation occurring in the eye lens, foods containing
anti-oxidants are supposed to be quite helpful in
controlling and preventing cataracts. Some antioxidants
already present in the lens of eye are vitamin C, lutein,
zeaxanthin and glutathione, of which vitamin C and
glutathione are the major constituents. Their level
generally decreases with age, specifically of vitamin C.
Therefore you should take foods rich in them and also
vitamin B2 and E which are needed to protect and
activate glutathione. Vitamin C intake is necessary for
people suffering from diabetes as well. Your doctor may
even prescribe their supplements after analyzing your
condition. Foods rich in these nutrients are:
- Vitamin C: fresh fruits and vegetables that provide
you with enough vitamin C in a day although emphasis
must be given on citrus fruits (fresh fruits in totality
and not their juice only) like grapes and blackberries,
as they also contain bioflavonoids, which together with
vitamin C keep the blood capillaries healthy and also
possess anti-inflammatory property.
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): milk, eggs, poultry,
wholegrain cereals and yeast extract.
- Vitamin E: avocados, nuts, seed oils and sunflower
seeds
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: richest source are spinach and
kale
- Some others
antioxidant rich foods like green leafy vegetables, peppers, most
of the berries (blueberry, raspberry, cherries etc.). Berries contain high levels of beneficial antioxidants
for eye health. |
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Beware of food allergens - These include dairy products
like milk, cheese, eggs and ice cream; soy, wheat
(gluten), corn, preservatives and synthetic food
additives. You may get yourself checked and undergo
tests to find out the allergens in your case. |
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Instead of red meats, go for more lean meats, cold-water
fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or, still better, beans
for protein. |
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Carrot Juice - Carrot juice mixed with spinach
juice (300ml and 125ml respectively) is considered
to be very beneficial, to the extent, that it may cure
your cataract too! |
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Use light and healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or
vegetable oil. |
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Avoid excessive consumption of stimulants like tea,
coffee, alcohol, and tobacco. |
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Go heavy on fluids - Drink at least 7 - 8 glasses of
water daily. |
Some
most effective home made remedies for cataract are:
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Take a mixture solution of one teaspoon rose water and
one teaspoon fresh lime juice. Put 10 drops of this in
your eyes, twice daily. This is very effective in the
early stages of the disease. |
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Garlic is a natural cleansing agent, in case of eyes
too. It cleans the lens, but for that the most effective
way is to chew a few cloves (minimum 2-3), early in the
morning. |
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Add 2 teaspoons each, of apple cider vinegar and
honey,
in a glass of water and drink after meals, everyday.
Apple cider vinegar is a good source of beta-carotene,
which is an antioxidant. A drop of honey into each eye
daily is also considered extremely beneficial,
especially black cataract. |
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Eyewash – Take a cup of rose petals with 4 tablespoon of
raspberry leaves and put in 4 cups of boiling water.
Leave for 30 minutes, strain and use as an eye wash. |
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Shield your eyes from excessive exposure to sunlight to
reduce the risk of oxidative damage leading to
cataracts. Wear ultraviolet (UV) - blocking sunglasses and
a hat, or at least a cap. When traveling by car, avoid
direct sunlight by using sun visors. |
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When reading, make sure that light comes from over your
shoulder. Similarly, while watching television, there
should be no light source in front of you. |
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Eye exercises aimed at relaxing and strengthening of the
eyes are also valuable in cataract. |
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Contrast hydrotherapy (alternating hot and cold water
applications to the face or back of neck) improves
circulation to the head thereby facilitating the
transport of nutrients to the eye. But remember,
hydrotherapy to eyes, head, or neck should be done only
under supervision of a knowledgeable doctor, at least,
till the time you yourself or someone in your family
becomes confident enough to do it correctly. |
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Epsom salt bath – Here, you remain in the bath for
around half an hour, till you perspire. After the bath,
cool off gradually. Eyes should he closed and bathed
externally, at least, twice daily with hot water
containing Epsom salts. |
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