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| A cataract is a clouding of a part of the eye known as the crystalline lens. The lens is a clear tissue located behind the pupil - the dark circular opening in the middle of the iris or colored part of the eye. The lens works with the transparent cornea, which covers the eye's surface, to focus light on the retina at the back of the eye. During cataract formation the normal protective mechanisms are unable to prevent free radical damage. The lens, like many other tissues of the body, is dependent on adequate levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), and adequate levels of the accessory antioxidants vitamins E and C and selenium, to help prevent free radical damage. Incidence; Causes & Development More than half the people over age 65 have some degree of cataract development. Although cataracts result from many conditions, the most frequent cause is the natural aging process. Cataracts can take from a few months to several years to develop. Sometimes the cataract stops developing in its early stages, and vision is only slightly decreased. If it continues to develop, vision is impaired and treatment is necessary. Treatment & Prevention Many holistic doctors believe that the progression of early cataracts can be stopped. Antioxidant vitamins, minerals and herbs have been shown by clinical studies to be effective in preventing cataracts when detected early. References & Further Information Alex Duarte, OD, PhD has written a small book called Cataract Breakthrough. Vitamin and mineral formulations developed in France as a result of over twenty-five years of additional research are also explained, including case histories, and exact formulations. |
| Surgery Alpha Lipoic Acid Antioxidants Carnosine Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) |