When the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy without pain, it is called a cataract. If not treated in time, it causes blindness. However, surgical treatment can cure it in time. Most people over the age of 60 experience some clouding of the lens. But you can prevent or treat them by following the simple home remedies.
If you have cataracts or want to prevent them, try the following simple home remedies to fix the situation:
o Drink orange juice: Increasing your vitamin C intake will reduce the risk of developing cataracts. It is recommended that you take twice the recommended daily amount of vitamin C to protect against cataracts. That means it should include 1 1/2 cups of strawberries, 1 cup of orange juice, or 2 oranges.
o Take beta-carotene and vitamin E: Research has shown that increasing your intake of beta-carotene and vitamin E offers some protection against cataracts. Eat more orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes for beta-carotene and almonds, fortified cereals, peanut butter, and sunflower seeds for vitamin E.
o Wear sunglasses or a hat: Covering your eyes with sunglasses or hats while in the sun has been shown to reduce the incidence of cataracts. Choose sunglasses that have UV protection. There is no need to spend a lot of money on designer glasses. You can also buy the sunglasses at the local stores.
o Look away from harmful radiation: Whenever you are near a microwave, oven, or X-ray, always look away. Although many manufacturers claim their microwaves are safe, it’s always best to avoid looking at them to protect your eyes. The same goes for x-rays.
o Control your drinking habits: Drinking drinks occasionally will not harm your eyes. But prolonged drinking will certainly harm your eyes. This is because alcohol interferes with the nutritional supplies of the lenses and therefore leads to cataract formation. Even alcoholics who have a good diet can get cataracts due to alcohol’s interference with the nutrient supply to the eye.
o Quit smoking: Research has shown that smokers are more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers. Toxic substances in cigarette smoke damage the nucleus of the lens and cause cataracts. When you quit smoking, you cut your risk of developing cataracts in half.
o Take pain relievers: People who take pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen have a reduced risk of developing cataracts. This is due to the fact that these medications as your body uses glucose and lowers your blood sugar, reduces the risk of developing cataracts. This is also one of the reasons why diabetics are more prone to cataracts.