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CATARACTS

Overview

Cataract is clouding of the eye lens that reduces the amount of incoming light and results in deteriorating vision. Cataract is often described as being similar to looking through a waterfall or waxed paper. Daily functions such as reading or driving a car may become difficult or impossible. Eyeglass prescriptions may require frequent changes. An estimated 200 million people worldwide have cataracts.

Minor lens opacities at birth may never progress to cataract in adulthood, while others progress to a degree requiring surgery or causing blindness. Many factors influence vision and cataract development including age, nutrition, heredity, medications, toxins, health habits, sunlight exposure, and head trauma. Hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, or direct trauma to the eye can also cause cataract.

Today, cataract surgery is a common surgery in the United States, with over 1.5 million surgeries done yearly. Annual costs associated with cataract treatment are estimated to be over $3.4 billion.1,2 Cataract surgery costs Medicare more than any other medical procedure: 60% who initially qualify for Medicare already have cataracts.3

There are three main types of cataracts. The most common is nuclear cataract. Nuclear cataract occurs when proteins of the nucleus (center) degenerate and darken, causing light to scatter. The second most common type, cortical cataract, occurs in the cortex (or periphery) of the lens. Cortical cataract forms when the order of fibers in the cortex is disturbed and the gaps fill with water and debris, thus altering the pathophysiology of light by scattering and/or absorbing it. The least common type affects the back of the lens and is called posterior subcapsular cataract.

Summary

This protocol provides information about cataracts; its nature, etiology, physiology, pathophysiology, and current treatments. Nutritional approaches to protecting the eye and preventing or slowing cataract progression of cataracts is provided. This information on cataracts and nutritional supplements should enable the reader to understand the beneficial effects of nutrition on cataract prevention.

Scientific Summary

The most widely accepted conventional surgical treatment is removal of the lens and implantation of an artificial lens (IOL). Surgical treatment is recommended when a cataract progresses to the point that it impairs visual function. Before this point is reached, conventional medicine often takes a “watchful waiting” approach, considering cataracts to be an age-related, unfortunate, but inevitable, fact of life. In contrast are a growing contingent of physicians, researchers, and nutritional scientists who have a more proactive view of cataract prevention and treatment. This holistic approach to maintain healthy lens function and eye health includes awareness of risk factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol, and sunlight), compliance with a sensible diet (e.g., low-fat, high-fiber), exercising, and nutritional therapy specifically for the eye.

Lifestyle Changes

Wear protective eyewear and avoid the following risk factors:

  • Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to sunlight (particularly UV radiation), and excessive exposure to X-ray and gamma irradiation.
  • Life Extension’s Solarshield sunglasses to protect from:
    • blue and UV radiation
    • preservation of essential macular pigments

Nutritional Supplements

Note: Many of the nutrients suggested may be contained in the Life Extension Mix

For More Information

Contact the National Eye Health Education Program of the National Institutes of Health, (301) 496-5248, or the American Society of Cataract Surgery, (703) 591-2220.

Product Availability

Life Extension Mix, Brite Eyes II, glutathione, Super Carnosine, Super Absorbable CoQ10, Solarshield sunglasses, Super Zeaxanthin with Lutein, vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, Gamma E Tocopherol with Sesame Lignans, gingko biloba extract, bilberry extract, R-lipoic acid, potassium, magnesium, melatonin, Kyolic Reserve Garlic, N-acetyl-cysteine, acetyl-L-carnitine arginate, and selenium can be ordered by calling (800) 544-4440 or by ordering online at www.lef.org.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.