How to Improve Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudiness in the lens of the eye that prevents light from passing through to the retina, the part of the eye that sends nerve signals to the brain. When cataracts are present in the eye, the cloudiness that results usually causes vision problems and sometimes even vision loss. Cataracts most commonly affect older adults but can be present in younger people as well. Although there is no proven way to prevent cataracts, there are several measures you can take to improve or help to reduce the growth of cataracts.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription eyeglasses or contacts
• Bilberry
• Vitamin E
• Medicated eye drops

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Instructions

• 1

  Use vision aids. Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses can be a great help for those who suffer from cataracts. It is important to wear them at all times, so that you are continually able to benefit from them. See your doctor every six to 12 months in order to properly monitor your vision and make any necessary changes to your prescription.

• 2

  Invest in proper lighting throughout your home. Because cataracts cause cloudy vision and decreased visual abilities, it is important to have as much light as possible in your home to aid you in your quest to see clearly, especially at night when no natural light is available.

• 3

  Take daily supplements of bilberry and vitamin E. According to Dr. Dana Myatt, founder of Dr. Myatt Nutritionals, the recommended dosage to improve cataracts is 180 mg of bilberry and 100 mg of vitamin E twice per day.

• 4

  Stop smoking. Smoking greatly increases the development of cataracts, so it is imperative to stop smoking if you suffer from cataracts and hope to see any signs of improvement.

• 5

  Try medicated eye drops. Although only successful in a small number of cases, prescription eye drops that dilate the pupil may help to improve cataracts by increasing the amount of light that gets into the eye, making it easier to see.

• 6

  Consider surgery. When cataracts are in the advanced stages and your vision is greatly diminished, you may want to elect to have surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Although surgery often successfully improves cataracts, it does have potential side effects. Cataract surgery carries the risk of infection, hemorrhage, tearing of the retina, vision loss or glaucoma, so the decision to have surgery should not be made lightly.