Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which focuses light. It is the leading cause of blindness. Once developed, surgical removal is required to restore visual acuity, however, a Nutritarian diet aids in the prevention of cataracts.
Visual impairment affects over 3.4 million people in the U.S, ages 40 and above. Cataracts end up being one of the leading causes with a prevalence of 21.2%. Having diabetes increases this risk to 31.8%.1 The prevalence rates increase with age, climbing to as high as 60% in patients older than 75.2
Cataracts presents as painless, progressive decline in vision. Vision becomes blurry or dull, and viewing lights may cause a glare. An opaque lens is visible on examination with an ophthalmoscope. This results from damage to the protein structure of the lens. Risk factors include:
Nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of cataracts. Carotenoids like lutein are concentrated in the lens. Consumption of dark leafy green vegetables; red, orange, and yellow vegetables, which provide sufficient lutein; as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene are associated with eye health. These nutrients work synergistically with phytochemicals to decrease inflammation, weight gain, and the resultant metabolic disorder that increases the risk of cataracts.
Once a cataract develops, it cannot resolve with nutrition alone. Surgery is usually required and is a same-day procedure. The opaque lens is removed and replaced with a man-made lens. Restoration of vision occurs quickly.
ONLINE: All members of DrFuhrman.com can search the Ask the Doctor archives for discussions on this topic. Platinum and Diamond members can connect with Dr. Fuhrman by posting questions in the forum. Not a member? Join now.
IN PERSON: Book a stay at Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live Retreat in San Diego, California. With options ranging from one, two and three months (and sometimes longer) you will be under Dr. Fuhrman’s direct medical supervision as you hit the “reset” button on your health. For more information: (949) 432-6295 or [email protected].
EVENTS: Join Dr. Fuhrman for an online boot camp, detox or other event. During these immersive online events, you’ll attend zoom lectures, follow a special meal plan, and have access to a special, live Q&A session with Dr. Fuhrman. Learn more about events.
The following are sample questions from the Ask the Doctor Community Platinum and higher members can post their health questions directly to Dr. Fuhrman. (All members can browse questions and answers.)
I just got some bad news from my optometrist. The haze that has developed in my eyes is from cataracts. Pictures of my eyes from two years ago show no cataracts. Is there anything on a Nutritarian diet that could cause this rapid development of cataracts? The last six months I have been eating so healthfully; why would cataracts rapidly form now? This is not what I would expect to happen.
Cataracts are prevented by high micronutrient eating and avoidance of mid-day and excessive sun exposure. In this case, you caused too much damage in your earlier life to inhibit their expression with just 6 months of healthy eating. The susceptibility to sun damage to the lens can increase with aging.
Can a Nutritarian diet halt the progression of cataracts? If that can be done, I would find that preferable to surgery. I am aware that cataract surgery is very successful but there is still a risk, and if the correction I get with new glasses is acceptable, I would prefer that route. What specific foods would you recommend? Would you suggest any supplements?
Supplements and even diet can protect the vision but not have an effect on cataracts once they are formed. Sun damage is number one. A healthy diet and avoidance of the sun may help prevent or slow progression, but I have never seen a case reverse.