Cataracts

When the eye lens thickens and becomes cloudy or opaque, then the eye cannot focus or handle light properly. This eye condition is called a cataract. Causes of cataracts include: aging, diabetes, heavy metal poisoning, radiation exposure, eye injury, and certain drugs, such as steroids. The primary symptom of a developing cataract problem is a slow and painless loss of vision. Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the world. Sometimes, a cataract can swell causing secondary glaucoma. Senile cataracts are the most common, affecting persons over 65 years of age. These cataracts are often caused by free radical damage. Exposure to both ultraviolet rays and low-level radiation from x-rays can lead to reactive chemical particles forming in the eye. These free radicals attack the structural proteins, enzymes, and cell membranes of the lens of the eye. These free radicals maybe in our food, water, air, and environment are probably the primary cause of increasing number of people suffering from cataracts.

Nutrient / Supplement	Helpful notes
Carotenoids beta carotene	good for all eye disorders, they are very important for rebuilding and repair of body cells. Generally, a carotenoid mixture combined with a complete multi-vitamin and mineral supplement will produce good results.
Multi-vitamin Mineral supplement	contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of cataracts. The nutrients supplied in a daily supplement are required for good general health and well being.
Selenium	this mineral is an important antioxidant
Copper	needed for proper healing and stopping the growth of cataracts and should be used with the mineral manganese
Bioflavonoids	bioflavonoids are natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer, help prevent eye damage and also relieves pressure from cataracts.
vitamin A	important for good eye function and it is also a powerful antioxidant
vitamin C	works with the bioflavonoids healing the body by their antioxidant properties
Grape Seed extract	powerful anti-oxidant that promotes body healing
vitamin E	helps body healing process and it also serves as a powerful antioxidant and helps rid the body of free radicals.
vitamin B	is needed for eye cell metabolism
Zinc	deficiency in the mineral has been linked to eye disorders

All information presented on this web page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any
physical ailments. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA