Myths:

Everyone eventually develops cataracts.

Facts:

Cataracts can not only be prevented, but can even be reversed through nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle changes.

Overview:

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world. In the United States, cataracts are the major cause of vision loss, although due to the high level of care available to us, cataracts are among the most treatable causes of diminished vision.

Cataracts can best be described as an opaque spot on the lens of the eye that you cannot see through. At best, you seem to be looking through a cloud or a haze, and this haze can vary in size, density and location. Therefore, its effect on your vision will also vary. Many people experience a general reduction in vision at first; they need more light to read by, or they have difficulty with street signs when they’re driving. A cataract can also effect depth perception. This can be a particular danger to older people who risk greater injury from falls and accidents.

Symptoms:

• Blurry vision, especially in bright light
• Loss of night vision
• Cloudiness on the eye lens
• Requiring more light for reading
• Getting tired when reading
• Difficulty judging distances or steps
• Seeing halos, particularly in sunlight
• Glasses always seem dirty

Causes:

• Free radicals are responsible for most cataracts. They are natural byproducts of metabolism. These highly reactive chemicals cause oxidation, which in turn causes aging. As the lens of the eye ages, it hardens and loses its ability to focus. This process is similar to hardening of the arteries, and is often associated with changes in the joints.
• Chronic physical stress such as dental problems, physical injury to the vertebrae or neck, or any stress that reduces eye movement and increases muscle tension.
• Food Allergies or sensitivities, particularly involving dairy products, wheat and/or soy can congest the sinuses, impairing lymphatic and veinous drainage, resulting in decreased nutrition to the eyes.
• Toxins, pharmaceutical drug side effects, such as steroid drugs, or photosensitizing drugs such as gout medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, antibiotics and diuretics.
• Smoking - the risk in ex-smokers is 50 percent higher compared to non smokers. Each cigarette also robs the body of 25 mg of vitamin C. Smokers have an increase in lipids (both fat and cholesterol) which increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease. These factors produce narrowing of the retina blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye.
• Diabetes and other diseases that affect multiple areas of the body such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Diabetics develop cataracts at an earlier age than non- diabetics. An accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the lens can induce osmotic swelling of the lens, which will lead to the development of a cataract.
• Poor nutrition and digestion. Nutritional deficiencies, such as in poor areas of Third World countries, can cause cataracts to develop early and progress faster. In every part of the world, people with poor digestion and chronic bowel problems have a fourfold higher incidence of cataracts.
• Heredity
• Aging of the Eyes - hardening of the lens occurs as we age.
• Sunlight - invisible ultraviolet light (UV light) which is one of the light frequencies of sunlight promotes free-radical damage to the lens. The effects of UV light are cumulative over time.
• Alcoholic Consumption - High intake of alcohol more than doubles the risk of developing cataracts. More than 7 drinks per week will increase the risk, while moderate use does not seem to increase the risk.

These drugs can cause or worsen cataracts: (see "Drugs That Harm the Eyes" for a more complete list of harmful drugs:)

Photosensitizing drugs (drugs that make you more sensitive to the sun) are drugs that absorb light energy and undergo a photochemical reaction resulting in chemical modification of tissue. They can make you more susceptible to cataracts and macular degeneration. The following is a list of those drugs:

• Antihistamines
• Birth control pills
• Tranquilizers
• Sulfa drugs
• Oral anti-diabetic drugs
• Antidepressants
• NSAIDS (for example aspirin, ibuprofen, advil, meclofen)
• Steroids - may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts. Steroids work by mimicking the action of the body's own hormones to help control inflammation. They are usually prescribed for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Chrohn's Disease,and lupus. Long- term steroid use can cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and increases in intraocular pressure. These cataracts will develop in up to 50 per cent of people taking 10 to 15 milligrams of prednisone daily for one to two years. These cataracts are very dense and can cause a rapid loss of vision. They will not go away even after you stop the medication and will have to be surgically removed. Though not as common as cataracts, sustained treatment of steroids can cause a rise in intraocular pressure leading to glaucoma, though after the steroid use is stopped the intraocular pressure will return to normal. The bad news is any damage done by the rise in pressure will remain. Steroid use can also indirectly damage the eye by causing an increase in blood sugar therefore causing diabetes. If you must take steroids make sure you take high doses of anti-oxidants such as alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E , and lutein to help prevent cataract formation.
• Fluroquinone, terbinafine, mefloquine type antibiotics
• Glucocorticoids (Prednisone)
• Eretinate, isoretinoin

Conventional Treatment:

Surgery is the most common treatment for removing cataracts. Following are the three major methods:

• Extracapsular surgery: The lens is removed except for the back half of its outer covering.
• Phacoemulsification: Only the lens core is removed after breaking it up with ultrasound.
• Intracapsular: The entire lens and its capsule are removed. (This is rarely done.)

Most often, a plastic disc is inserted into the capsule, replacing the lens. This artificial lens is a permanent implant, except when it becomes clouded and needs replacement. Alternatives to an implant include a removable contact lens or special purpose eyeglasses.

Recovery from the operation itself takes only a day or so, but adjusting to the new lens can require weeks for some people, and as much as several months for others. For several weeks after surgery, using eye drops or ointment is recommended to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Note that cataract surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment, which may occur at a later date.

Surgery may not be necessary if:

• Your lifestyle is not affected by cataracts
• Vision will not improve because of pre-existing eye problems
• Glasses or contact lenses could provide satisfactory vision

Complementary Treatment:

We recommend the following protocol to treat cataracts. Where possible, we use products that can be taken in liquid form for best absorption.

To order either "Click Here" for the complete product list or click on any product below for a greater description or also to order.

The recommendations are given in order of priority, and are listed as Essential, Very Important, Important, and Helpful.

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

Essential: Cineraria Cataract Eye Drops is a homeopathic remedy that increases circulation in the intraocular tissues, stimulates collateral circulation and normal metabolism. Clinical observation indicates the value of local applications of Cineraria in checking, or even aborting existing cataracts. Recommended usage - instill one or two drops in each eye three to six times per day for several months. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).

Essential: Brite Eyes II is applied topically on the eyes, and helps prevent damage to the lens of the eyes due to free radicals and oxidative damage. Recommended dosage is to apply 1 to 2 drops in each eye every day. Those with any kind of eye problem may want to apply 1 to 2 drops several times a day. The 2 ml resealable vials allow for a small amount of product to be exposed to oxygen and bacteria at a time. The unopened vials can be stored in the dark in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.. Cost is $30 ($28 on automatic delivery) for 5 - 2mg tubes.

Essential: GSH 250 Formula - can be very effective in preventing cataract formation, and is crucial in stopping free radical damage. Studies have shown that lenses with cataracts contain approximately 1/15th the amount of glutathione as compared to normal lenses. This formula contains 250mg of Glutathione, as well as many of the major nutrients needed by the body to make more Glutathione (possibly only 10-15% of Glutathione can be absorbed directly by the body, which is why this formula is so helpful as it provides the major nutrients needed by the body to create more Glutathione. Cost is $62 per bottle ($62 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 2 capsules per day (90 capsules per bottle).
Essential: Vitamin C Time-Released Tablets - Each bottle contains 100 - 500 mg time-released tablets with 250 mg of Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help prevent cataracts, is one of the major precursors to Glutathione, and also helps make collagen which strengthens the capillaries that nourish the retina, protects against UV light and is a powerful antioxidant. The eye contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands. Cost $16 per bottle ($14 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 4 tablets per day (2,000 mg total) with meals.
Essential: Pure Focus offered through Nutritional Focus, is in liquid form and contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine and small levels of vitamin E to support absorption. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the retina, and are the two major carotenoids found in the lens of the eyes. Vinpocetine improves the utilization of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina. Cost to patient is $28 per month for the first 2 months ($24 per month on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1 pump 5 times per day under the tongue for the first two months, then 1 pump 3 times per day under the tongue thereafter.
Helpful: Digestive Care: As we age, we produce less enzymes needed for absorbing essential nutrients from food. Digestive Care by RightFoods?is designed to aid in replacing these lost enzymes, providing a full-spectrum of seven plant-sourced enzymes to support optimal digestion and absorption. This formula also includes intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote improved intestinal flora for digestion. Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day with meals. Each bottle contains 30 capsules. Cost is $13 per bottle ($11 on automatic delivery).
Helpful: Pure Focus offered through Nutritional Focus, is in liquid form and contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine and small levels of vitamin E to support absorption. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the retina. Vinpocetine improves the utilization of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina. Cost to patient is $28 per month for the first 2 months ($24 per month on automatic delivery), then $14 per month thereafter. Recommended dosage is 1 pump 5 times per day under the tongue for the first two months, then 1 pump 3 times per day under teh tongue thereafter.
Helpful: Vision Tone Formula by Integral Health Apothecary. Includes a combination of Chinese and Western herbs to strengthen the eyes. Cost is $22 per bottle ($20.00 automatic delivery price). Recommended dosage is 1/2 dropperful 2 times a day for prevention, or 3 times a day for treatment. Best times to take the herbs are when you get up in the morning, and in the afternoon between 4 and 6 o'clock. Herbs should preferably not be taken with meals.
Helpful: One Plus Vitamin Mineral: Excellent vitamin and mineral formula with digestive enzymes and green food. Cost is $32 per bottle for 1 month supply (or $30 per bottle on automatic delivery).
Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)

Automatic delivery is available. Click Here for more information.

Self Help:

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

• Vision Diet recommended in Natural Eye Care, co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., helps maintain a healthy lens that easily drains away metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues.
• Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil).
• Daily juicing of vegetables and fruits (preferably organic). Our cataract recipe is some combination of the following: raspberries, watermelon, carrots, spinach, celery, radish (not too much fruit). For more information, go to "Click Here"
• Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22).
• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
• Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
• Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as One Plus Vitamin Mineral: or PaleoGreens Formula.
• Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
• Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
• Avoid microwaves. Leakage from microwave ovens are a direct cause of cataracts, so avoid peeking into the oven door window while you cook. In addition, food proteins exposed to microwaves can become toxic to the lens, which is made up mostly of proteins.
• Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life’s problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, prayer, etc.