Cataracts

Cataracts are clumps of protein that collect on the lens of an eye and interfere with vision. Normally, light passes through the lens (the clear tissue behind the pupil) and focuses on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens becomes cloudy. Most cataracts develop slowly over time and are a natural result of aging. Once cataracts become large enough that vision loss interferes with everyday activities such as driving, reading, or watching television, they should be surgically removed.

Signs and Symptoms

• Decreased or blurred vision (often described as a "fog")
• Double vision
• Halo around lights
• "Second sight" -- when an individual who normally wears reading glasses can suddenly read without them
• Brown spots in the visual field

What Causes It?

A cataract develops when protein in the lens clumps together and blocks light from reaching the retina. It is not clear what causes these proteins to clump together, but some researchers speculate that cataracts may develop

as a result of chemical changes in the lens that occur with aging. Other researchers believe that there may be several causes of cataracts, including smoking, diabetes, and excessive exposure to sunlight.

There are several different types of cataracts:

• Age-related cataracts -- those that develop with older age
• Congenital cataracts -- those that are present at birth or develop in early childhood, usually in both eyes
• Secondary cataracts -- those that develop in people with medical conditions (such as diabetes) or in those who use steroids
• Traumatic cataracts -- those that develop as a result of an eye injury

Prevention

• Wear ultraviolet (UV)-blocking sunglasses
• Abstain from smoking cigarettes

Certain medications may help delay cataract formation (particularly in those with diabetes or other high-risk conditions), but none are known to reverse the progression of cataracts once they form.

Lifestyle

• Eliminate all suspected food allergens, including dairy (milk, cheese, eggs and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for

food allergies.

• Eat more antioxidant-rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables and peppers) and berries (such as blueberries, cherries, and raspberries). Berries contain high levels of beneficial antioxidants for eye health.
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
• Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in such commercially baked goods as cookies, crackers,

cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.

• Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
• Exercise moderately, if tolerated, 5 days a week.

Suggested Nutritional Supplementation

• Visio PlexTM - 8 capsules daily with food.

Nutrients and Herbs to Nourish the Eyes

• Wellness EssentialsTM Cardiovascular Support - 2 packets daily

Wellness Essentials Cardiovascular Support is a combination of essential vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients to promote healthy cardiovascular function and overall well- being.

Dietary Considerations

• FirstLine Therapy® Diet