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Cataracts are clouding of the eyes lenses, which causes your sight to blur. When the lens becomes cloudy, light cannot easily pass through. Left untreated, cataracts may cause blindness. About 20.5 million Americans older than 40 develop cataracts, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataracts often begin after age 50, although they can strike younger people. People between 52 and 64 have a 50 percent chance of developing a cataract, and those who are over 70 have a 70 percent chance. Although cataracts often occur in both eyes, each cataract progresses at a different rate.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Slow and gradual onset.
- Blurry, filmy or fuzzy vision.
- Trouble watching TV.
- No longer needing reading glasses, but a worsening in distance vision.
- Poor central vision (trouble seeing when looking directly at something).
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription.
- Colors seeming faded.
- Increased glare from lights, especially oncoming headlights when driving at night.
- Poor sight in sunlight.
- A milky whiteness in the pupil.
- Double vision.
Be aware that herbs and supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not assume if a product is considered "natural" that it is harmless. Many substances do not have sound science behind them to prove their safety or how well they work. Manufacturers may not be giving you what you think you are getting, or the way the substance is processed may be unhealthy or unsafe.
With many of these products, doctors do not know enough about them. Herbs and supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications or can worsen your health conditions. Consider that some supplements, such as vitamin A, may be unsafe when taken in mega doses.
It is strongly advised that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. If you are taking an herb or supplement and notice any unusual symptoms, stop taking the substance immediately and talk to your doctor.
| Herb or supplement |
Claims |
Possible Interactions, Zide Effects and Dangers |
What the experts say |
| Lutein |
Prevents or delays cataracts. |
This is considered safe if you take it according to recommended doses. But no one knows how much is too much.
To date, no side effects have been reported about lutein supplements. |
Evidence does suggest people with cataracts have small improvements. Strong evidence says lutein can keep your eyes healthy. However, there is no evidence that suggests lutein can reduce the risk of cataracts or other age-related diseases. No one knows how much is too much. Your best bet is to get lutein from such foods as corn, egg yolks, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, peas, leeks and collard greens. |
| Bilberries |
Treat eye disorders, including cataracts. |
High doses could be dangerous and may even cause death. People with allergies to plants in the Ericaceae family may be allergic.
Side effects may include decreased blood sugar levels, decreased blood pressure and an increased risk of bleeding. Fresh bilberries may have a laxative effect. |
Bilberries, a relative of the blueberry, may help improve blood flow to the eye. Other reports say bilberries may even slow the progression of cataracts. However, these are small preliminary studies, and the effectiveness has not yet been proven. You are better off getting your antioxidants through fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids. See a doctor if you have eye problems. |
This article was reviewed and updated
June 2007.
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