|  | Diet Nutrition | Vitamins

Vitamins to Prevent Cataracts

Cataracts are a condition of the eye that affect the elderly but can affect younger people as well. Cataracts are caused by protein fibers breaking down in the lens of the eye and by aging, sunlight, diabetes and trauma. The diseased eye causes vision to be cloudy. While surgery can remove cataracts, nutritional supplements and vitamins may help prevent and treat them. Vitamins C, E and B, specifically, are believed to aide in the prevention and treatment of cataract development.

  1. Vitamin C and Cataracts

    • Don't wait until your vision becomes cloudy. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can help prevent and treat cataracts. Vitamin C destroys free radicals that help prevent formation of cataracts. The lens of the eyes is where damage primarily occurs. According to a report by the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," taking 360 mg or more of vitamin C a day reduced the risk of cataracts in women under the age of 60 (see "References"). In men and women over the age of 60, vitamin C has proven to help reduce the amount of cataracts. The eyes naturally have a high concentration of vitamin C, so if you take more (1,500 mg per day), you'll strengthen the areas that are most prone to developing cataracts.

    Vitamin E and Cataracts

    • According to canadafreepress.com, by taking vitamin E supplements (at least 400 IU), you may reduce the risk of cataract development by 50 to 70 percent. Vitamin E decreases the amount of protein leakage from the lens of the eye into other fluids that surround the eye. Consume a diet that contains at least 3.5 servings of fruits and vegetables and other foods high in vitamin E and C to reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

    B Vitamins and Cataracts

    • According to eyes4lasik.com, by taking B vitamins you'll increase the health of your eyes. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), in particular, assists in the activation and synthesis of vitamin B6, folic acid, energy-supplying glucose and red blood cells. By not having enough riboflavin, your eyes' lenses and other moist areas of the eye can cause damage, such as development of cataracts. You can also get a supply of B vitamins by consuming peas, wheat germ, whole grains, almonds, yogurt, liver, milk and broccoli.

Vitamins - Related Articles