PharmEasy Blog

6 Food That Is Beneficial For Cataract Patients

A cataract can develop naturally with age or due to other risk factors (uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure). Your eyes’ lenses become opaque or cloudy due to deposits of certain fats and proteins over time. This leads to blurring of vision. Worldwide, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness. Even though there is currently no non-surgical cure for cataracts, studies have found that a healthy diet can help lower the risk of cataracts.  

First, Let’s understand what exactly a cataract is

Cataracts are dense, cloudy areas that form in the eye’s lens. Cataracts are caused by protein clumps that interfere with the formation of clear images. The light that enters the eye through the lens is converted into signals on the retina. The retina sends the signals to the optic nerve, which transmits them to the brain.

Cataracts develop gradually and eventually obstruct your vision. Cataracts can develop in both of your eyes, but they don’t usually develop at the same time. Older people are more likely to develop cataracts. 

What symptoms to look for to detect Cataracts?

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

It is important to understand what can cause Cataracts

About 40 years of age is when most people begin developing cataracts. The symptoms are most likely to appear after the age of 60. Cataracts are not usually present at birth.

However, there are certain underlying factors that can influence cataract development:

Based on the studies I have read, green leafy vegetables contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants might help in reducing the onset of cataracts. Therefore, I would highly recommend eating dark green leafy vegetables like spinach might be useful in keeping away eye diseases like cataracts.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

What to eat and what to avoid?

Despite what may seem counterintuitive, eating your way to better healthy eyes is a reality, as nutrients in certain foods can help reduce the risks of eye disease and loss of sight. The benefits of eating carrots and leafy greens are well known, but numerous foods can improve the health of your eyes.

Just like foods that help keep your eyes healthy, other foods can make your cataract worse and have a negative impact on the overall health of your eyes as well as your body. 

So it is important to identify what food you must include in your diet and what you must avoid.

Foods that can help lower the risks of cataracts: 

1. Carrots

Almost everyone knows how good carrots are for the eyes. There are beta-carotenes in it, lutein and zeaxanthin, which the body converts into vitamin A. Carrots are good for your overall eye health and help keep eye problems at a minimum. 

2. Fruits and vegetables

Yellow, red and orange pigments are produced by carotenoids in colourful fruits and vegetables. Usually, these foods are eaten raw, but for the best health benefits, they should be boiled or baked first. Cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkins contain carotenoids such as beta carotene and vitamin A, which are good for your eyes.

3. Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can reduce one’s risk of cataracts because they have been linked with lowering one’s risk of eye disease. You should consume two servings of cold-water fish every week, such as tuna, salmon and sardines. You can take fish oil supplements if you are not a fan of fish.

4. Seeds and Nuts:

The antioxidant vitamin E found in nuts and seeds protects the membranes of eye cells against free radical damage. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds can help improve eye health.

5. Whole grains

The chances of developing cataracts are lower in people who consume more whole grains. Reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration is another benefit of whole grains. Include whole-grain foods such as quinoa, brown rice, whole oats, whole grain pasta and bread in your diet. 

6. Citrus Fruits:

The vitamin C in oranges and other citrus fruits (guava, amla etc.) helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Being a natural antioxidant, vitamin C is beneficial to the body for fighting off degenerative and inflammatory eye diseases.

Among all Indian spices, turmeric is quite beneficial against various eye-related diseases. According to some studies, turmeric (curcumin) might have protective effects against cataract development due to the presence of vitamin C which has antioxidant effects.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Foods that you must avoid: 

1. Processed Meats:

Salted foods such as hot dogs, bacon and deli meat are high in unhealthy fats and sodium. High sodium levels can eventually result in high blood pressure (hypertension), resulting in numerous eye conditions. 

2. Ready-to-Eat Foods

Prepackaged foods, such as soup, tomato sauce and canned goods, often have high sodium levels, as much as 75% of the recommended daily intake. It is recommended that you avoid eating these foods as they may cause high blood pressure and eye-related problems. Look for salt-free or low sodium versions of your favourite foods at the store.

3. Soft Drinks

The sugar content of soda, sports and energy drinks and other sweetened drinks can range from seven to ten teaspoons. The added sugar increases your risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Further, diabetes can cause eye-related conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.

4. Alcohol

It is believed that the consumption of alcoholic beverages, although not food, contributes to the development of eye conditions. In excess drinking, you can develop cataracts at a younger age.

5. Margarine

margarine contains trans fats, which can cause heart disease and eye problems. Margarine with solid consistency contains more trans fats. Use spread instead of solid margarine. You can also choose healthier alternatives that have zero grams of trans fat on the label.

Other beneficial tips to keep your eyes healthy:

Conclusion: 

There are many ways to reduce your risk of getting cataracts, but research remains unclear if they can be prevented at 100%. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is the simplest way to take care of your eyes.

The easiest method to eat your way to good eye health is at the produce aisle. If you pick fruits or vegetables of vibrant or deep colour, they will contain an abundance of nutrients, including vitamin A and C. 

The above-mentioned food items are essential for maintaining healthy eyes because nutrition and the health of your eyes go hand in hand. Poor diet and unhealthy junk food can cause damage to your eyes. Healthy eating is vital to reducing eye conditions like cataracts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 What foods may dissolve cataracts?

Foods cannot dissolve cataracts. You need to consult a doctor and follow the treatment advised. 

 What causes cataracts to form quickly?

Typically, the fastest-growing cataracts are those caused by trauma. Radiation-related cataracts are sometimes identified under trauma-related cataracts and are caused by radiation exposure. Those exposed to high radiation levels can experience clouded vision within two years of exposure.

How can I stop my cataract from getting worse?

6 ways to keep cataracts from getting worse:
> Have regular eye checkups.
> Keep your blood sugars in check if you have diabetes. 
> Quit smoking.
> Reduce your alcohol consumption. 
> Eat fruit and vegetable-rich diet.
> Wear sunglasses.

Which Vitamins are good for cataracts?

According to doctors, foods such as carrots and citrus fruits are high in antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E which are good for keeping your eyes healthy and slowing the development of cataracts.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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9 Simple Tips To Keep Your Eyes Healthy!

Your eyes are irreplaceable. They are your windows to the world. But they are fragile and you need to take meticulous care of them. There are many reasons your eyesight could deteriorate- age, pollution, stress, unhealthy diet etc. While you can’t really stop the ageing of your eyes, you can slow it down. But many of the other issues could be avoided if you adopt a few measures.

9 Tips To Keep Your Eyes Healthy –

1. Regular Check-up for your Eyes

You need to visit an ophthalmologist/optometrist at least once a year. They will administer several tests to determine how strong your vision is or how healthy your eyes are. Based on the tests, you will be given a new pair of lenses for your glasses or medicines if needed.  

Myopia has been becoming an epidemic, especially in kids. Scheduling regular eye check-up exams are the best way to ensure safety from myopia. Regular checkups can also ward off cataracts, retinal detachment and glaucoma, all very sight-threatening eye conditions.

Contrary to popular opinion, mobile phones are doing more harm to the eyes than television ever did. It is because, bigger the screen and greater the distance, lesser is the strain on the eyes. So, a laptop screen is always better than a mobile phone screen. For school kids with online classes, it is a very good option to project the phone on television set and the child sitting at a comfortable distance from the screen.

Dr. Gitanjali Sharma Bose MBBS, MS Ophthalmology

2.   A Healthy Diet to the Rescue

This is an age-old and sure-shot means of keeping your eyes healthy. There are certain foods that boost your eyesight and reverse the effects of ageing. Make sure your diet includes –

A healthy diet also reduces your chances of becoming obese or contracting diabetes or hypertension, which are leading causes of eye problems.  

Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that certain nutrients like copper, zinc, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta carotene can reduce the risk of age-related decline in eye health.

3. Diabetes and Eye Health  

Obesity and diabetes are closely tied to potential eye problems. Obesity is linked with type II diabetes and diabetes is linked to a higher risk of glaucoma and retinopathy. Exercising, diet control and maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol can help with weight loss and diabetes management. This can help you to avoid the risks of eye conditions and also save you the trouble of expensive glaucoma treatment surgery.

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

4. Give up Smoking

Smoking is not only destructive to your lungs but it can also give you cataracts. It may damage your optic nerve and cause macular degeneration. If you are a chain smoker and quitting seems impossible to you, talk to a therapist.

Read More: How to Quit Smoking?

  Smoking also increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome.

Smoking also leads to Uveitis which is inflammation of the eye’s middle layer. Studies have shown that smokers are 2.2 times more at risk of deterioration of the eye than non-smokers.

Also Read: 7 Health Hazards of Smoking

5. Wear Sunglasses

Shades are imperative when you go out into the sun. The UV rays of the sun can harm your eyes. They can bring about macular degeneration, cataracts and can even cause temporary blindness. Shades can protect you from the worst of UV rays.

If your work requires you to stare at a computer screen for 8 hours at a stretch, you will need to adopt a few extra precautions.

As a rule of thumb, foods with colours of traffic signal lights – red, yellow and green, are excellent sources of Vitamin A and antioxidants for the eyes. If you are a vegetarian, have any seasonal fruit and a fistful of nuts everyday. For fussy children, simply make a paste of leafy greens and mix it with chapati flour/ dal. It is an effective method of ensuring good eye nutrition.

Dr. Gitanjali Sharma Bose MBBS, MS Ophthalmology

  6. Your Eyes Need a Break

Once every 30 minutes, look away from the screen and keep your eyes closed for 15 seconds. Then open them and blink rapidly, this will coat your eyes with a layer of moisture.  

Constantly working in front of a screen and not peeling your eyes for a long time may result in Computer vision syndrome. It causes eye strain, blurry vision, and discomfort.

7. Eye exercise

At regular intervals, put your eyes through a simple exercise. Stare at a distant object for 15 seconds, switch your gaze over to a nearer object, and keep staring at it for another 15 seconds. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times.  

Make it a habit to do this consistently to guard your eyes against unnecessary strain and discomfort.

Annual check ups are usually recommended especially in people above 45 years and who suffer from diseases of the eye or diabetes, uncontrolled and chronic diabetes usually affects the retina and maybe a cause of irreversible blindness.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

8. Protective gear

Computer screens emit a harmful rays called blue light. To mitigate the effect of blue light, you can attach an anti-glare cover to the screen of your computer or wear a pair of anti-glare glasses.  

Use safety glasses or eye shields when outside. Wear goggles when and where necessary. Along with eyewear, eyewashes are also important to keep your eye safe.

9. Adjust the Lighting

Make sure that the lights in your office room are not too harsh. Turn a few off, if possible. Don’t sit with your back to an open window because your computer screen will reflect the light coming in through the window. You can also adjust the brightness of your computer so that it complements the lighting of the room.

Don’t take your eyes for granted. They are priceless. Get a good night’s sleep as it is monumental in promoting good eye health. The rest is very important for your eyes. Keep your hands clean if you have a habit of touching your eyes often. With a few simple tips, you can keep them healthy.

Important to note – Eye health is also connected to age, the older you get the more you should be aware of eye disorders that are common with ageing. Your doctor may advise you to get frequent checkups and also inform you what symptoms to watch for (such as poor vision and blurry sight). Another important factor to keep in mind regardless of age is for people who use contact lenses and prescription glasses. Be sure to use clean hands whenever you are putting your contacts on and maintain proper hygiene whenever you’re dealing with your eyes.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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9 Tips For Healthy Eyes

Whatever we enjoy be it food, places or things, we first enjoy them with our eyes. To have a healthy vision is a blessing that cannot be taken lightly. Just shut your eyes for a minute and you will realise just how much of our living we do with our eyes. We take such great care of the rest of our body all with exercises and asanas but somehow we ignore our eyes. These, too need a conscious effort from our end to protect and maintain them. Here are a few tips for healthy eyes:

PharmEasy-Eye-Tips-Prevention-Of-Blindness-Week-eye-health-blog
  1. Eat Healthy Food

Can this be stressed enough? Eat your green leafy vegetables and add more fruit to your diet. What’s natural is what is good for your eyes. So add the spinach to your salad and have that apple instead of a bag of chips. Fish is especially beneficial for the eyes. Have it twice a week for best results.

  1. Beauty Sleep

Surprised? Yes, beauty sleep does feature tips for healthy eyes! Apart from doing wonders for your skin and hair, adequate sleep will work like a charm for your eyes. The night owls should take note of this. Resting your eyes at night will ensure their vitality for longer.

  1. Regular Eye-checkups

Here is another reason not to shirk that visit to the doctor. Regular checkups ensure that you will catch the problem in its infancy. Every six months get your eyes tested without fail. Also, do not self-medicate but rather seek medical help as and when needed. This is an important tip for healthy eyes.

Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly. To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
  1. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Smoking and drinking dry out the ocular tissues. They tend to damage the eye muscles making you susceptible to an earlier onset of cataract, glaucoma and other eye problems.

  1. Style and Substance

Sunglasses, apart from increasing your style quotient protect your eyes from sunlight and UV rays. Avoid venturing out if the light is too strong. If you are into swimming, ensure that you jump in the pool only after wearing your swimming goggles.

Digital eye strain is most common cause of eye strain nowadays. Spending long periods looking at a screen can strain the eyes. Using the 20-20-20 rule can help to prevent this problem. For every 20 minutes a person looks at a screen, they should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
  1. Exercise

When you exercise regularly, the heart pumps blood to all organs, including the eyes. More oxygen and a higher volume of blood to them makes them healthy and fit.

  1. Rest While You Work

Everything is done digitally these days. Take regular gaps between working and rest your eyes by shutting them for some time. The glare from the computer and phone screens is particularly tiresome and can cause severe eye fatigue.

  1. Dry Air, Goodbye

Aim the air conditioner vents in your car and in your room away from your eyes. Dry air is really harmful to your eyes and can even cause your cornea to tear. While the eyes have the ability to repair these tears over a period of time but continually exposing your peepers to dry air could even lead to blindness.

  1. Clean Your Eyes

Before you crash out for the night, don’t forget to clean out eye makeup, even your kohl. Minute pieces of makeup can prove to be a nuisance for your eyes and can even cause abrasions. Wash them with cold water before you retire to bed.

Also Read: Misdiagnosed Eye Conditions: Is it Pink Eye or Something Else?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.