DEFINITION

A cataract is clouding of the eye's lens that can lead to vision problems.

DESCRIPTION

The crystalline lens is a vital part of the optical system and is responsible for focusing light (via changes in shape) and maintaining transparency. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. Ageing causes some of the protein to clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. If the lens of the eye thickens and becomes clouded or opaque, it becomes unable to focus or admit light properly.

The most common form of Cataracts is senile cataracts, which affect people over 65 years old. The first signs of Cataract onset are unclear vision and an increased sensitivity to light. An early symptom of a Cataract is the sudden ability to read without previously needed reading glasses. Cataracts are the result of degenerative changes in the eye. Over a period of years, one or both lenses cloud over and this may lead to total blindness. This process is painless and the amount of vision lost depends on the part of the eye affected. If the central part of the eye is clouded by a Cataract the patient may become short sighted. When the condition becomes serious, the Cataract is unmistakeable to the onlooker as the darkened lens clouds over the pupil.

Frequent changes of prescription lenses usually help with vision for people with Cataracts. Cataract surgery is the most common major surgical procedure. Congenital Cataracts can appear in the newborn and Atropine eye drops (see your Doctor) used for a short period may inhibit the growth of Cataracts.

CAUSE

Cataract formation is caused by the inability to maintain normal levels of sodium, potassium and calcium within the lens. Some of the many factors which lead to Cataracts include:
- Free radical damage. The free radicals attack the structural proteins (particularly sulphur-containing proteins), enzymes and cell membranes of the lens.
- Diabetes.
- Repeated exposure to ultraviolet light.
- Radiation exposure.
- Hereditary disease.
- Viral infections.
- Toxic or heavy metal poisoning.
- Injury to the eye.
- Certain drugs such as steroids.
- Systemic disease.
- Age.
- Galactose (the inability to digest milk sugars - lactose).
- Smoking.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner.
Prevention or health management of Cataracts at an early stage can sometimes be effective. In cases of vision impairment, surgery may be the only option. The damaged lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. People with Diabetes require strict blood sugar level control to help prevent Cataract formation.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) See your Doctor for a correct diagnosis of a Cataract.
2) If you need advice on any prescribed medication ask your Pharmacist.
3) Follow the diet hints.
4) Use sunglasses when in direct sunlight. Studies have proven that direct sunlight can speed formation of Cataracts.Your Pharmacy stocks suitable brands.
5) To avoid eye strain, read in well lit areas.

DIET HINTS

Studies show that Cataract formation may be reduced by increasing the intake of antioxidants. Dietary suggestions include-
- Avoid rancid foods, chemicals and other sources of free radicals.
- Include foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, selenium and zinc and are found in fresh fruits, vegetables, garlic, pumpkin seeds, oysters, citrus fruits, wheatgerm and nuts. Carrots, pumpkin, mangoes, apricots and corn are suggested for their vitamin A content.
- Avoid milk products. A high intake of galactose (component of milk sugar) is thought to increase the incidence of Cataracts.
- Avoid or reduce sugars, white flour products, high fat foods and processed foods. These are all sources of free radicals.
- Increase consumption of legumes (beans, peas, lentils etc) and garlic.
- Increase intake of onions.
- Blueberries are beneficial due to their high content of bioflavonoids.
- Juices such as carrot, spinach, beet and cucumber are recommended.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements are only to be used if the dietary vitamin intake is inadequate.
- Vitamin A is important for normal visual function and may reduce free radical damage.
- Vitamin C and vitamin E taken for long periods may decrease the risk of developing cataracts by up to 60%. Studies show that vitamin C levels are greatly reduced in the lens of people with Cataracts.
- Glutathione is an antioxidant which helps maintain a healthy lens. It is found in the lens and is thought to be a key factor against toxins.
- Zinc deficiency is believed to cause Cataracts. Zinc increases immune function and may reduce free radical damage.
- Selenium and vitamin E are powerful antioxidants. The glutathione peroxidase present in the human lens is dependent on selenium for normal function.
- Bilberry is thought to remove free radicals from the retina of the eye. Bilberry is also thought to prevent Cataract progression.

ORGANISATIONS and SUPPORT GROUPS

For more help and information see the Vision Support Services topic.

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