Cause: Unknown, but usually associated with age. A genetic disposition to cataracts is also suspected.

Useful Supplements: B Complex, Lutein, Quercetin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.

Useful Herbs: Bilberry.

Further information: Cataracts develop when protein deposits form on the lens of the eye, clouding vision. Common symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, glare, light sensitivity, frequent eyeglass prescription changes, double vision in one eye, the need for brighter light to read, poor night vision, and the appearance of faded or yellowed colors. Cataracts are extremely common, and happen with most people as they age.¹ They appear more frequently in smokers and those with diabetes. A diet rich in antioxidants (Vitamin E and Vitamin C especially) may help prevent or delay the formation of cataracts, as oxidative damage appears to be a cause of their development.²

The following supplements and herbs may be effective in the prevention or delay of cataracts:

Since oxidative damage is a suspected cause of cataracts, the addition of antioxidants to the diet may help prevent their occurrence. Low antioxidant levels have often been found in patients with cataracts.³ Vitamin C⁴ is the most commonly found antioxidant in the eyes. Since levels of Vitamin C appear to decrease with age,⁵ supplements are recommended, and appear to decrease the likelihood of developing cataracts.⁶

Vitamin E is also an excellent antioxidant to use in the prevention of cataracts.⁷ It appears to be extremely effective when taken in conjunction with Vitamin C.⁸

A B-Complex vitamin also appears effective in protecting the eyes. Vitamin B2 deficiency has been linked to the development of cataracts.⁹ When Vitamins B2 and B3 are taken daily, the incidence of cataracts decreases.¹⁰

Quercetin helps to block the accumulation of sorbitol in the eye, and is especially helpful in the prevention of cataracts in patients with diabetes.¹¹

Vitamin A, a major source of Beta-carotene, has also been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts.¹² Lutein, a similar nutrient, acts in the same manner.¹³

Bilberry, which is similar to blueberries, is high in anthocyanosides, which protect they eye’s lens from oxidative damage.¹⁴ It also helps the eyes to better adapt to both bright and low lighting.

References:

¹Kahn HA, Leibowitz HM, Ganley JP, et al. The Framingham Eye Study: I. Outline and major prevalence findings. Am J Epidemiol 1977;106:17-32.
²Palmquist B, Phillipson B, Barr P. Nuclear cataract and myopia during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Br J Ophthalmol 1984;68: 113-7.
³Jacques PF, Chylack LT.Jr. Epidemiologic evidence of a role for the antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:352S-5S.
⁴Taylor A, Jacques PF, Nadler D, et al. Relationship in humans between ascorbic acid consumption and levels of total and reduce ascorbic acid in lens, aqueous humor, and plasma. Curr Eye Res 1991;10:751-9.
⁵Taylor A. Cataract: relationship between nutrition and oxidation. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:138-46 (review).
⁶Jacques PF, Chylack LT, McGandy RB, Hartz SC. Antioxidant status in persons with and without senile cataract. Arch Ophthalmol 1988;106:337-40.
⁷Robertson J McD, Donner AP, Trevithick JR. A possible role for vitamins C and E in cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:346S-51S.
⁸Robertson J McD, Donner AP, Trevithick JR. Vitamin E intake and risk of cataracts in humans. Ann NY Acad Sci 1989;570:372-82.
⁹Prchal JT, Conrad ME, Skalka HW. Association of presenile cataracts with heterozygosity for galactosaemic states and with riboflavin deficiency. Lancet 1978; i:12-3.
¹⁰Sperduto RD, Hu TS, Milton RC, et al. The Linxian cataract studies. Arch Ophthalmol 1993;111:1246-53.
¹¹Varma SD et al. Diabetic cataracts and flavonoids. Science 1977;195:205.
¹²Hankinson Se, Stampfer MJ, Seddon JM, et al. Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ 1992;305:335-9.
¹³Ibid.
¹⁴van Acker SA, van den Berg DJ, Tromp MN, et al. Structural aspects of antioxidant activity of flavonoids. Free Rad Biol Med1996; 20:331-42.