Natural Cataract Treatment

Cataracts occur when the proteins in the eye lens become clumped together; they can obstruct your vision. Normally, they grow slowly over time. Natural treatment strategies exist, but surgery is necessary if cataract growth impairs important activities such as driving. Consult with an experienced health care provider about using natural therapies.

Get Your Antioxidants

• Antioxidants are a cornerstone of natural treatments. Various parts of the eye, including the lens, contain protective enzymes that destroy the damaging proteins that comprise cataracts. Antioxidants protect these important enzymes. Get these antioxidants in both food and supplement form.

  The most beneficial are lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein is found in yellow and orange fruits like mangoes, corn, carrots and dark, leafy greens. Zeaxanthin is found in orange bell peppers, corn and honeydew melon. You can also take these in supplement form; use 2 to 6 mg of lutein daily and 1 to 10 mg of zeaxanthin daily. Be sure to eat all different kinds of fruits and vegetables and not just the ones mentioned here; they all contain antioxidants good for eye health.

  Other beneficial antioxidants include vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 and Alpha-lipoic acid. Take them separately as indicated on the product label or use a combination multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that contains all of them.

Herbs

• Some natural supplements support eye health. Bilberry has a long history of traditional use for treating a variety of eye-related disorders; take 80 mg three times a day. Gingko encourages blood flow to the eye; take 40 to 80 mg three times a day. Green tea provides antioxidant benefits; take 250 to 500 mg daily.

Other Suggestions

• Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Cut back on meat and increase your intake of other protein sources like cold-water fish, tofu and beans. Avoid refined white flour foods and aim for whole grains. Cut down on saturated fats like those in meat, dairy and margarine. Be sure to include lots of garlic and turmeric. Take fish oil supplements as directed on the label.

  Contrast hydrotherapy involves switching between hot and cold applications to the face. This encourages circulation to the head and can facilitate the delivery of nutrients to the eye. Consult with a doctor about this treatment before doing it on your own.