Diet to Reverse Cataracts

Inside your eye sits a lens that helps focus light on your retina, the tissue that lines the inside, back chamber of your eye. As part of the natural aging process, the lens of your eye will begin to harden and turn yellow, a condition called a cataract. The lens will not focus light properly, and you will experience vision changes. Neither medications nor diet can reverse these changes, but diet may slow down the progression.
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FORMATION

The lens of your eye is made of water and protein, and the cataract forms when the protein breaks down and starts to clump together. The light that passes through the cataract does not land precisely on the retina, resulting in vision changes. This also causes problems with glare and driving at night. The cataract may also have a yellow or light-brown appearance, which results in changes in color perception.

PREVENTION

Even though diet cannot reverse the changes to the protein inside the lens, nutrition may help prevent or slow down the formation of cataracts. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, as well lutein and zeaxanthin, may aid in prevention, says the American Optometric Association. You and your eye doctor should discuss the medications and supplements you take, as well as your overall health, to determine whether adding these nutrients to your diet or supplement intake would offer beneficial prevention. Your eye doctor will also help you determine the appropriate dosage.

DIETARY SOURCES

Typically, foods that contain lutein will also contain zeaxanthin. Some of the foods containing these beneficial nutrients include collard greens, spinach, kale and broccoli, as well as many other dark green, leafy vegetables. Many fruits contain vitamin C, such as strawberries, papaya and oranges, but vegetables, such as green peppers, also contain vitamin C. To increase your intake of vitamin E, eat nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds.

SUPPLEMENTS

Diet alone may not provide you with the necessary amounts of these nutrients. Your eye doctor or health care provider may recommend taking a multivitamin or other supplement that contains beneficial amounts of these nutrients. Some supplements contain high amounts of these vitamins and minerals that help prevent cataracts and other types of eye disease, and manufacturers will often state this on the label. Your pharmacist can help you select a supplement that contains your recommended dosage.

CONSIDERATIONS

Additional lifestyle changes may help you prevent or slow down the progression of cataracts. One simple change is to wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection when you spend time outdoors. Other changes that may help prevent cataracts include not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

REFERENCES

• National Eye Institute: Facts About Cataracts
• American Optometric Association: Nutrition and Cataracts
• MayoClinic.com: Cataracts