cataracts
"Wow! I Can See Again"
Posted by Max Hammonds on
"My kitchen curtains really are white! I thought they were dirty and yellow and I've been washing them every week for the last year trying to get them clean." This is a typical comment of a patient who has just had the cataracts removed from their eyes. For those who could not see well enough to get a driver's license renewed, cataract removal is a necessity. For those who were almost blind, it seems like a miracle.
The colored ring of muscle fibers in the human eye, called the iris, opens and closes to admit more or less light. In the middle of the iris is a dark circle, which is really a hole, called the pupil. Behind this light hole is the lens of the eye. This lens is a bag or envelope of clear, gelatinous protein that becomes fatter or thinner to focus the light on the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, discolored to grey or yellow, and will not admit sufficient light, it is called a cataract.
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Plant-based Diets Reduce Risk of Cataracts
Posted by Galen Bosley on
Plant-based diet found to reduce the risk of cataracts by 30-40%
A British study of over 27,670 participants investigating the relationship between diet and the incidence of cataracts has found a progressive decrease in cataract risk with decreasing animal product consumption. High meat eaters defined as eating >100 grams per day (about 4 ounces) had the highest rates of cataracts compared with moderate and low meat eaters (4% lower), fish eaters (21% lower), vegetarians (30% lower) and total vegetarians (40% lower).
PositiveTip: A wisely chosen plant-based dietary pattern, as originally designed by the Creator, appears to be best way of preventing disease--including cataracts.
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Vitamins C and E Supplements Strike Out Again
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Nutrient supplements continue to struggle in proving any real worth.
A study of 14,641 older male physicians for an average of 8 years has quashed hopes that supplements of vitamins C and E might reduce the risk of cataracts. The rate of cataracts between those getting vitamin C or E instead of the placebo was almost identical. Researchers had hoped that longer supplementation might be useful, but the study concluded that it is not.
PositiveTip: Eat vitamin E and C rich foods in your diet, but save your money and skip supplements --at least when it comes to preventing cataracts.
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Facts About Cataracts
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Cloudy vision? You might have a cataract.
Cataracts are cloudy areas over the lens of your eye. As people age, they become more at risk for developing cataracts. It’s important to get them treated right away so they don’t cause permanent vision damage. Cataracts can be both genetic and environmental. Exposure to smoke, toxins, radiation and sunlight can put you at risk for developing cataracts. If you have double vision, cloudy vision, trouble seeing at night, etc, see a doctor right away. Cataracts may develop slowly and painlessly so be especially aware of changes in vision.
Positive Tip: If you’re going outside, don’t forget your UV resistant sunglasses