Natural treatments for cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by the opaque buildup of damaged proteins in the lens, primarily affecting individuals over the age of sixty-five. While surgical removal of cataracts is a widespread and effective treatment, some individuals seek natural remedies to prevent or slow their progression. Proposed natural treatments largely focus on antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, which are thought to combat oxidative stress, a key factor in cataract formation. Although observational studies suggest that high antioxidant intake may correlate with a reduced incidence of cataracts, clinical trials have yielded mixed results, and no definitive evidence supports the use of antioxidant supplements specifically for cataract prevention.
Other natural treatments that have been suggested include herbs with antioxidant properties, such as bilberry and turmeric, as well as various vitamins and supplements like carnosine, ginkgo, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, the efficacy of these treatments remains largely unproven. Lifestyle measures, such as wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and managing health conditions like diabetes, are also recommended to reduce the risk of cataracts. Overall, while there are many proposed natural approaches to cataract management, individuals should understand that surgery remains the only established medical intervention for treating cataracts.
Natural treatments for cataracts
- DEFINITION: Treatment of the decline of vision caused by an opaque buildup of damaged proteins in the lens of the eye.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Antioxidants, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Bilberry, carnosine, ginkgo, lanosterol, lipoic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, selenium, taurine, turmeric, UV protection, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), whey protein, zeaxanthin, zinc; managing underlying health conditions
Introduction
Cataracts, an opaque buildup of damaged proteins in the lens of the eye, are the leading cause of visual decline in persons older than sixty-five. Most people in this age group have, at minimum, the beginnings of cataract formation. Many factors contribute to the development of cataracts, but damage by free radicals is believed to play a major role.
Cataracts can be removed surgically. Although this has become a relatively quick, safe, easy, and painless surgery, it does not result in completely normal vision.
Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
Antioxidants. Numerous observational studies suggest that high intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, and lycopene), are associated with a reduced incidence of cataracts. However, this by itself does not prove that the use of antioxidant supplements can prevent cataracts. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can do that. The results of several large studies of this type were not encouraging.
In an enormous, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving almost forty thousand female health-care professionals, using natural vitamin E at a dose of 600 milligrams (mg) every other day for ten years failed to affect cataract development. Another placebo-controlled trial studied the effects of antioxidant supplements in 4,629 older persons. Participants received either a placebo or an antioxidant supplement containing 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E, and 15 mg of beta-carotene. The results over more than six years showed no effect on the risk of development of cataracts or the rate at which existing cataracts progressed to greater severity. Finally, a five-year double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 798 people in Southern India failed to find benefits from supplemental antioxidants despite dietary antioxidant deficiency being common among those studied.
In addition, a previous double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the use of beta-carotene or vitamin E alone in male smokers failed to find the supplements effective. On a more positive note, though, one large study found that beta-carotene supplements helped prevent cataracts in the subgroup of study participants who smoked. However, no benefits were seen in the group as a whole. In any case, people who smoke are generally not advised to take extra beta-carotene.
In another long-term study involving more than one thousand older adults, taking multivitamin/mineral supplements led to a significant decrease in the development of cataracts compared with placebo over nine years. However, these favorable results were tempered by an inexplicable increase in a subtype of cataracts (posterior subcapsular) occurring among those taking the multivitamin/mineral supplements. A small two-year study found evidence that lutein may improve visual function in people with cataracts. A 2014 meta-analysis of multiple studies of over 40,000 individuals did find proof that antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin showed promise in acting as preventives to developing cataracts. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids also seemed promising.
Other Proposed Natural Treatments
Herbs high in antioxidant flavonoids are frequently suggested for preventing cataracts. These herbs include bilberry, ginkgo, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, and turmeric. For various theoretical reasons, the supplements carnosine, lipoic acid, niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), selenium, taurine, whey protein, and zinc have also been proposed. However, there is little evidence that any of these treatments help. Animal studies have highlighted the potential effectiveness of bilberry and curcumin; however, more human study is needed.
There are several lifestyle changes one can make in an attempt to prevent cataracts. Wearing eye protection that blocks ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is beneficial. It is vital that individuals manage underlying health conditions that may contribute to the development of cataracts, such as diabetes. Animal studies and preliminary human trials have shown that lanosterol, a naturally occurring steroid, may be effective in treating cataracts. However, it is crucial for patients to understand that no natural treatment has definitively been proven effective against cataracts, and surgery remains the only proven medical intervention.
Bibliography
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Goodman, Deniz, and Steven Ness. "The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Aging Eye." Life, vol. 13, no. 3, 2023, p. 837, doi.org/10.3390/life13030837. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
Olmedilla, B., et al. "Lutein, but Not Alpha-Tocopherol, Supplementation Improves Visual Function in Patients with Age-Related Cataracts." Nutrition, vol. 19, 2003, pp. 21-24.
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