How To Get Rid Of Cataracts

According to WHO, cataract is the major cause of blindness. Over 20 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from cataracts in one or both the eyes. This eye disorder is known to make your vision cloudy initially and may cause blindness if not treated in time. Hence, it is important to treat this condition at the earliest. While eye operations and surgeries are the conventional methods of treating cataracts, you can also treat this condition with home remedies. In this article, we will talk about one effective home remedy that not only treat cataracts but also prevent their recurrence. Let’s begin!

The formation of a cloudy and dense area in the lens of the eye is medically termed as a cataract. It is usually a result of clumping of proteins in the eye. This clumping prevents the lens from sending clear images to the retina.

A cataract develops eventually and may even interfere with your vision. Although you can develop a cataract in both eyes, it may not necessarily be at the same time.

Cataracts can be classified into different types based on their cause and where they develop.

The different types of cataracts include:

• Nuclear Cataracts: These are formed in the center of the lens and may cause the nucleus of the lens to turn brownish or yellowish.
• Cortical Cataracts: These are wedge-shaped and are formed around the nucleus (center) of your lens.
• Posterior Cataracts: These affect the backside of your lens and are formed faster than the former types.
• Congenital Cataracts: These cataracts are present at birth or may surface during your child’s first year.
• Secondary Cataracts: Secondary cataracts are often a result of health conditions like diabetes and glaucoma or medications like steroids.
• Traumatic Cataracts: Cataracts that are a result of trauma to your eyes over the years are called traumatic cataracts.
• Radiation Cataracts: As the name suggests, this type of cataract occurs after an individual undergoes radiation for cancer.

The following are some of the most common signs that surface with the development of cataracts.

The signs and symptoms of cataracts are:

• Blurry vision
• Reduced vision at night
• Colors look faded
• Your sensitivity to glare increases
• Visibility of halos while looking directly at the light
• Double vision
• Power of your prescription glasses keeps changing

So, what causes these cataracts to form? And who are at a greater risk of developing this condition? Let’s find out.

Cataracts can occur due to:

• Overproduced oxidants
• Trauma or injury
• Radiation
• Medications like steroids
• Smoking
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
• Medical issues like diabetes and glaucoma
• Smoking

Factors that put you at a higher risk of developing cataracts include:

• Advancing age
• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Past injuries to your eye
• A history of cataracts in your family

If you exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, get your eyes tested immediately. Faster diagnosis assures faster treatment and can prevent further complications to your eyes.

Your doctor may run the following tests to look for a developing cataract:

• A comprehensive eye test that includes an eye chart test to check your distant vision and a tonometry test to measure your eye pressure
• Testing your eyes’ sensitivity to glare
• Testing how you perceive colors

While you can always seek medical intervention to treat cataracts, here are some natural remedies that can help accelerate your recovery.

Since excess oxidative stress is believed to be one of the main causes of cataracts, foods rich in antioxidants can help. Consume foods like:

• Melipona Honey
• Citrus fruits
• Green leafy vegetables
• Guavas
• Bell peppers
• Papaya
• Broccoli

Beta-carotene rich foods can also help delay or prevent cataract formation. A few of them include:

• Carrots
• Sweet potato
• Kale
• Spinach
• Turnip

You can also follow these prevention tips to prevent the recurrence of cataracts.

• Quit smoking.
• Wear shades while you are out in the sun.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Keep a check on your blood sugar levels.
• Get your eyes tested regularly.
• Do not strain your eyes for long periods.

Cataracts can develop in anybody at any point in time. Hence, they need to be treated as early as possible to prevent them from progressing and worsening your eyesight.

Hope this article helps you in your fight against cataracts. For further doubts, feel free to get in touch with us via the comment box below.

What is the average age for cataracts?

Individuals aged between 41-60 years and above are commonly affected by cataracts. This clearly shows that advancing age is one of the leading risk factors for this condition.

What will happen if a cataract is left untreated?

Cataracts can cause legal blindness if left untreated. And when not treated for longer periods, they can cause total blindness.

Can you remove a cataract without surgery?

Currently, some eye drops are being tested for dissolving cataracts without the need for surgery. Also, the natural remedies mentioned above can help in treating cataracts.

How long does it take to get a cataract removed?

Surgery for cataract hardly takes 10 minutes. However, the blurriness after a surgery may take anywhere between 24 hours to even 2 weeks (in rare cases) to clear.

Honey is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It can help treat existing damage to your lens and also prevent future ones.

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