| | | | Other Names | | | Cataract, Lens Opacity.
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| | | Cataracts develop when damage to the protein of the lens of the eye clouds
the lens and impairs vision.
Most people who live long enough will
develop cataracts.1 Cataracts are more likely to occur in those who smoke,
have diabetes, or are exposed to excessive sunlight. All of these factors
lead to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage to the lens of the eye appears
to cause cataracts in animals2 and people.3
It is unlikely that any
nutritional supplements or herbs can reverse existing
cataracts.
What are the symptoms of cataracts? Cataracts usually
develop slowly without any pain or redness of the eye. The most common
symptoms of a cataract are fuzzy or blurred vision, increasing need for
light when reading or doing other close work, visual disturbances caused
by bright lights (e.g., sunlight, car headlights), faded color perception,
poor night vision, and frequent need to change eyeglass or contact lens
prescriptions. A cataract will not spread from one eye to the other,
although many people develop cataracts in both eyes.
Conventional
treatment options: In the beginning stages, the use of magnifying lenses,
stronger eyeglasses, and brighter lighting may compensate for the vision
problems caused by cataracts. Once vision is no longer adequate for daily
activities, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the clouded lens and
replace it with a clear artificial lens. In many people, the lens capsule
remaining in the eye after surgery eventually turns cloudy, causing
additional loss of vision.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful:
Obese men are significantly more likely to develop a cataract than are men
of normal body weight.4 To date, most,5 6 7 8 but not all,9 10 population
studies have found an increased risk of cataracts as body mass
increases.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: People with
low blood levels of antioxidants and those who eat few antioxidant-rich
fruits and vegetables have been reported to be at high risk for
cataracts.11 12
Vitamin B2 and vitamin B3 are needed to protect
glutathione, an important antioxidant in the eye. Vitamin B2 deficiency
has been linked to cataracts.13 14 Older people taking 3 mg of vitamin B2
and 40 mg of vitamin B3 per day were partly protected against cataracts in
one trial.15 However, the intake of vitamin B2 in China is relatively low,
and it is not clear whether supplementation would help prevent cataracts
in populations where vitamin B2 intake is higher.
The major
antioxidants in the lens of the eye are vitamin C16 and glutathione (a
molecule composed of three amino acids).17 Vitamin C is needed to activate
vitamin E,18 which in turn activates glutathione. Both nutrients are
important for healthy vision. People who take multivitamins or any
supplements containing vitamins C or E for more than 10 years have been
reported to have a 60% lower risk of forming a cataract.19
Vitamin
C levels in the eye decrease with age.20 However, supplementing with
vitamin C prevents this decrease21 and has been linked to a lower risk of
developing cataracts.22 23 Healthy people are more likely to take vitamin
C and vitamin E supplements than those with cataracts according to some,24
but not all,25 studies. Dietary vitamin C intake has not been consistently
associated with protection from cataracts.26 27 Nonetheless, because
people who supplement with vitamin C have developed far fewer cataracts in
some research,28 29 doctors often recommend 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C
supplementation as part of a cataract prevention program. The difference
between successful and unsuccessful trials may be tied to the length of
time people actually supplement with vitamin C. In one preliminary study,
people taking vitamin C for at least ten years showed a dramatic reduction
in cataract risk, but those taking vitamin C for less than ten years
showed no evidence of protection at all.30
Low blood levels of
vitamin E have been linked to increased risk of forming cataracts.31 32
Dietary vitamin E intake has not been consistently associated with
protection from cataracts.33 34 Vitamin E supplements have been reported
to protect against cataracts in animals35 and people,36 though the
evidence remains inconsistent.37 In one trial, people who took vitamin E
supplements had less than half the risk of developing cataracts, compared
with others in the five-year study.38 Doctors typically recommend 400 IU
of vitamin E per day as prevention. Smaller amounts (approximately 50 IU
per day) have been proven in double-blind research to provide no
protection.39
Some,40 but not all,41 studies have reported that
people eating more foods rich in beta-carotene had a lower the risk of
developing cataracts. Supplementation with synthetic beta-carotene has not
been found to reduce the risk of cataract formation.42 It remains unclear
whether natural beta-carotene from food or supplements would protect the
eye or whether beta-carotene in food is merely a marker for other
protective factors in fruits and vegetables high in
beta-carotene.
People who eat a lot of spinach and kale, which are
high in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids similar to beta-carotene, have
been reported to be at low risk for cataracts.43 44 Lutein, zeaxanthin,
and beta-carotene offer the promise of protection because they are
antioxidants. It is quite possible, however, that lutein is more important
than beta-carotene, because lutein is found in the lens of the eye, while
beta-carotene is not.45 In one preliminary study, lutein and zeaxanthin
were the only carotenoids associated with protection from cataracts.46
People with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin were half as
likely to develop cataracts as those with the lowest intake.
The
flavonoid, quercetin may also help by blocking sorbitol accumulation in
the eye.47 This may be especially helpful for people with diabetes, though
no clinical trials have yet explored whether quercetin actually prevents
diabetic cataracts.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects
or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful: Bilberry, a close
relative of blueberry, is high in flavonoids called anthocyanosides.48
Anthocyanosides may protect both the lens and retina from oxidative
damage. The potent antioxidant activity of anthocyanosides may make
bilberry useful for reducing the risk of cataracts.49 50 Doctors sometimes
recommend 240 to 480 mg per day of bilberry extract, capsules or tablets
standardized to contain 25% anthocyanosides.
Are there any side
effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information
about any side effects or
interactions.
References:
1. Kahn HA, Leibowitz HM,
Ganley JP, et al. The Framingham Eye Study: I. Outline and major
prevalence findings. Am J Epidemiol 1977;106:17-32.
2. Schocket SS,
Esterson J, Bradford B, et al. Induction of cataracts in mice by exposure
to oxygen. Isr J Med Sci 1972;8:1596-601.
3. Palmquist B,
Phillipson B, Barr P. Nuclear cataract and myopia during hyperbaric oxygen
therapy. Br J Ophthalmol 1984;68:113-7.
4. Schaumberg DA, Glynn RJ,
Christen WG, et al. Relations of body fat distribution and height with
cataracts in men. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:1495-502.
5. Glynn RJ,
Christen WG, Manson JE, et al. Body mass index. An independent predictor
of cataract. Arch Ophthalmol 1995;113:1131-7.
6. Hankinson SE,
Seddon JM, Colditz GA, et al. A prospective study of aspirin use and
cataract extraction in women. Arch Ophthalmol 1993;111:503-8.
7.
Hiller R, Podgor MJ, Sperduto RD, et al. A longitudinal study of body mass
index and lens opacities. The Framingham Studies. Ophthalmology
1998;105:1244-50.
8. Tavani A, Negri E, La Vecchia C. Selected
diseases and risk of cataract in women. A case-control study from northern
Italy. Ann Epidemiol 1995;5:234-8.
9. Leske MC, Chylack LT Jr, Wu
SY. The Lens Opacities Case-Control Study. Risk factors for cataract. Arch
Ophthalmol 1991;109:244-51.
10. Mohan M, Sperduto RD, Angra SK, et
al. India-US case-control study of age-related cataracts. India-US
Case-Control Study Group. Arch Ophthalmol 1989;107:670-6. [published
erratum appears in Arch Ophthalmol 1989;107:1288.]
11. Jacques PF,
Chylack LT Jr. Epidemiologic evidence of a role for the antioxidant
vitamins and carotenoids in cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr
1991;53:352S-5S.
12. Knekt P, Heliovaara M, Rissanen A, et al.
Serum antioxidant vitamins and risk of cataract. BMJ
1992;305:1392-4.
13. Bhat KS. Nutritional status of thiamine,
riboflavin and pyridoxine in cataract patients. Nutr Rep Internat
1987;36:685-92.
14. Prchal JT, Conrad ME, Skalka HW. Association of
presenile cataracts with heterozygosity for galactosaemic states and with
riboflavin deficiency. Lancet 1978; 1:12-3.
15. Sperduto RD, Hu TS,
Milton RC, et al. The Linxian cataract studies. Arch Ophthalmol
1993;111:1246-53.
16. Taylor A, Jacques PF, Nadler D, et al.
Relationship in humans between ascorbic acid consumption and levels of
total and reduce ascorbic acid in lens, aqueous humor, and plasma. Curr
Eye Res 1991;10:751-9.
17. Reddy VN. Glutathione and its function
in the lens-an overview. Exp Eye Res 1990;150:771-8.
18. Packer JE,
Slater TF, Wilson RL. Direct observation of a free radical interaction
between vitamin E and vitamin C. Nature 1979;278:737-8.
19.
Mares-Perlman JA, Lyle BJ, Klein R, et al. Vitamin supplement use and
incident cataracts in a population-based study. Arch Ophthalmol
2000;118:1556-63.
20. Taylor A. Cataract: relationship between
nutrition and oxidation. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:138-46
[review].
21. Taylor A, Jacques PF, Nadler D, et al. Relationship
in humans between ascorbic acid consumption and levels of total and
reduced ascorbic acid in lens, aqueous humor, and plasma. Curr Eye Res
1991;10:751-9.
22. Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr. Epidemiologic
evidence of a role for the antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in
cataract prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:352S-5S.
23. Jacques
PF, Chylack LT, McGandy RB, Hartz SC. Antioxidant status in persons with
and without senile cataract. Arch Ophthalmol 1988;106:337-40.
24.
Robertson JMD, Donner AP, Trevithick JR. Vitamin E intake and risk of
cataracts in humans. Ann NY Acad Sci 1989;570:372-82.
25. Seddon
JM, Christen WG, Manson JE, et al. The use of vitamin supplements and the
risk of cataract among US male physicians. Am J Public Health
1994;84:788-92.
26. Lyle BJ, Mares-Perlman JA, Klein BE, et al.
Antioxidant intake and risk of incident age-related nuclear cataracts in
the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Am J Epidemiol 1999;149:801-9.
27.
Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of
vitamin supplement intake and cataract extraction among U.S. women.
Epidemiology 1999;10:679-84.
28. Robertson J McD, Donner AP,
Trevithick JR. A possible role for vitamins C and E in cataract
prevention. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:346S-51S.
29. Hankinson SE,
Stampfer MJ, Seddon JM, et al. Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in
women: a prospective study. BMJ 1992;305:335-9.
30. Jacques PF,
Taylor A, Hankinson SE, et al. Long-term vitamin C supplement use and
prevalence of early age-related lens opacities. Am J Clin Nutr
1997;66:911-6.
31. Rouhiainen P, Rouhiainen H, Salonen JT.
Association between low plasma vitamin E concentration and progression of
early cortical lens opacities. Am J Epidemiol 1996;144:496-500.
32.
Lyle BJ, Mares-Perlman JA, Klein BE, et al. Serum carotenoids and
tocopherols and incidence of age-related nuclear cataract. Am J Clin Nutr
1999;69:272-7.
33. Lyle BJ, Mares-Perlman JA, Klein BE, et al.
Antioxidant intake and risk of incident age-related nuclear cataracts in
the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Am J Epidemiol 1999;149:801-9.
34.
Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of
vitamin supplement intake and cataract extraction among U.S. women.
Epidemiology 1999;10:679-84.
35. Trevithick JR, Creighton MO, Ross
WM, et al. Modelling cortical cataractogenesis: 2. In vitro effects on the
lens of agents preventing glucose- and sorbitol-induced cataracts. Can J
Ophthalmol 1981;16:32-8.
36. Robertson J McD, Donner AP, Trevithick
JR. A possible role for vitamins C and E in cataract prevention. Am J Clin
Nutr 1991;53:346S-51S.
37. Seddon JM, Christen WG, Manson JE, et
al. The use of vitamin supplements and the risk of cataract among US male
physicians. Am J Public Health 1994;84:788-92.
38. Leske MC,
Chylack LT Jr, He Q, et al. Antioxidant vitamins and nuclear opacities.
The Longitudinal Study of Cataract. Ophthalmology
1998;105:831-6.
39. Teikari JM, Virtamo J, Rautalahti M, et al.
Long-term supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene and
age-related cataract. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 1997;75:634-40.
40.
Hankinson SE, Stampfer MJ, Seddon JM, et al. Nutrient intake and cataract
extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ 1992;305:335-9.
41.
Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of
vitamin supplement intake and cataract extraction among U.S. women.
Epidemiology 1999;10:679-84.
42. Teikari JM, Virtamo J, Rautalahti
M, et al. Long-term supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and
beta-carotene and age-related cataract. Acta Ophthalmol Scand
1997;75:634-40.
43. Hankinson SE, Stampfer MJ, Seddon JM, et al.
Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ
1992;305:335-9.
44. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A
prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract
extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16.
45. Yeum
K-J, Taylor A, Tang G, Russell RM. Measurement of carotenoids, retinoids,
and tocopherols in human lenses. Ophthalmol Vis Sci
1995;36:2756-61.
46. Lyle BJ, Mares-Perlman JA, Klein BE, et al.
Antioxidant intake and risk of incident age-related nuclear cataracts in
the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Am J Epidemiol 1999;149:801-9.
47. Varma
SD, Mizuno A, Kinoshita JH. Diabetic cataracts and flavonoids. Science
1977;195:205.
48. Van Acker SA, van den Berg DJ, Tromp MN, et al.
Structural aspects of antioxidant activity of flavonoids. Free Rad Biol
Med1996; 20:331-42.
49. Salvayre R, Braquet P, et al. Comparison of
the scavenger effect of bilberry anthocyanosides with various flavonoids.
Proceed Intl Bioflavonoids Symposium, Munich, 1981, 437-42.
50.
Bravetti G. Preventive medical treatment of senile cataract with vitamin E
and anthocyanosides: clinical evaluation. Ann Ottamol Clin Ocul
1989;115:109.
Source: NOW Foods
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Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
| | 7 total products | | | | |  |
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Cataracts - Health - Lutein (Marigold Flowers Extract) - Eye Nutrient - Standardized Potency - 6 mg
60 caplets
21.49 US
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Cataracts - Health - Alpha-Lipoic Acid - 100 mg
60 capsules
17.96 US
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Cataracts - Health - Selenium - Trace Element - Liquid
3.30 oz / 94 g
12.20 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
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Cataracts - Health - Lutein with Bilberry Extract & Multianthocyanidins (FloraGLO) - 6 mg
60 capsules
14.45 US
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Cataracts - Health - Lutein Esters - 20 mg - Antioxidant
60 softgels
24.45 US
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Cataracts - Health - Lutein with Zeaxanthin (FloraGLO) - 20 mg
30 softgels
17.08 US
In Stock - Ships Today!
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Cataracts - Health - Eye Formula - Timed Release
50 caplets
28.74 US
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