Cataracts are the single most significant contributor to cases of blindness in India. It is also one of the most common causes of visual loss across the world. Despite its prevalence among older people, the young and children can also suffer from cataracts. So, taking preventive care is very important.
Does cure exist for cataracts? Is there any natural cure? Let’s have a look.
What is Cataract and the types of Cataract?
A cataract is the development and growth of an opaque or cloudy patch on our eyes’ lens, causing partial or complete loss of vision. Besides vision loss, a Cataract can cause blurred vision, double vision, and other troubles related to vision. Such cloudy parts on lenses often develop very slowly, and we fail to realize unless it causes severe visual impairment. Generally, Cataract can be of any of the following FOUR types –
- Nuclear Cataracts – develops at the center of the lens and spread outward.
- Cortical Cataracts – develops as yellow wedge-shaped opacity at outer edges of the lens cortex.
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts – develops as opaque patches at the back of the lens.
- Congenital Cataract – in this case, people are born with cataracts or get them in early childhood. It is genetic or caused during pregnancy by intrauterine infections.
The common causes of Cataract –
- Age
- Trauma
- Radiation
- Genetics
- Auto-immunity
- Smoke
- Malnutrition
- Medication
Common treatments of Cataract
There are preventive measures to protect the eyes from cataracts. However, once cataracts start growing and causing vision loss, surgery is the only reliable treatment available. We cannot reverse the course of full-grown cataracts using natural cures.
Throughout the world, TWO types of cataract surgeries exist in general –
- Phacoemulsification or, popularly called, Phaco
- Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
Doctors advise taking preventive measures to avoid cataracts from growing while you have time, except for the cases of natural age-related degenerations. So, instead of looking out for a natural way to cure cataracts, we should concentrate on natural care to prevent cataracts.
Natural care for preventing cataracts
- Regular eye checkup helps to detect even a marginal vision loss essential in detecting cataracts.
- Keeping the body hydrated – Regular hydration of the human body helps to wash out toxins and avoid dryness in the eyes.
- Avoid eye stress – Higher blood pressure can cause higher Intraocular pressure, damaging vision. So, reduce mental stress.
- Stay away from smoke and dust – Excessive exposure to smoke and dust is harmful to vision. So, avoid such an environment. Consult an ophthalmologist for necessary precautions if you cannot prevent such exposure.
- Diets with micronutrients and minerals – Lack of Vitamin C and other minerals can cause cataracts. So, try a balanced diet.
It may be tempting to find a natural cure for cataracts in humans. However, medical science suggests surgery to remove a mature cataract. Usually, cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure; patients do not need to stay overnight. They can go back home as soon as the surgery is complete. Besides, such procedures have become very affordable. So, do not hesitate. Book an appointment with a cataract specialist if you are experiencing any trouble in vision.