Cataract is an age-related eye ailment, prevalent in people above 60 years of age. However, the disorder is transforming into a critical problem as its now a leading cause of blindness in the world. The only treatment available for cataracts is surgical removal of cloudy leans by an intraocular lens (IOL) during the cataract surgery.
The cause behind cataract according to experts is the damage caused by oxidative stress on particular proteins and enzymes in the eye’s natural lens. Such damage causes the lens to become cloudy. Free radicals from the environment are unstable chemicals formed in the body when exposed to environmental toxins. These harmful chemicals in the form of free radicals are found in water, food, and air.
As the pollutants increase in our environment, we are at high risk of getting free radical damage too. These free radicals when comes in contact with the DNA or cell membranes, they weaken the cell or become the cause of cell death. Oxidation is even linked to every type of degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, cataracts, and natural aging.
Whatever critical eye disorder, there are preventive measures to each one of them. For combating free radicals as villains, antioxidants are the superheroes. They are the molecules which neutralize free radicals even before cell damage occurs. It saves you from developing the eye disorder. Some of the most prominent antioxidants are:
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Selenium
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Beta-carotene
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin E
Beta-Caroten
It’s rich in fat-soluble vitamin which is necessary for protecting yourself against cancer and aging as well as stop cataract formation. It’s also advisable to add a source of beta-carotene in your diet to aid the absorption of fats you consume. Some of the best sources of beta-carotene are carrots, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, turnip and mustard greens, and butternut squash.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E apart from preventing the problem of cataract is also helpful in protecting against several other health problems. It can protect human skin from the harmful damage of UV rays, Alzheimer’s disease, and prostate cancer by enabling cells to communicate with one another. Some of the excellent sources of vitamin E are dark leafy greens, papaya, almonds, seeds, and almonds.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another antioxidant which helps in slowing the progression of cataract formation. According to the American Optometric Association, 250 mg of vitamin C is optimum for sustaining a healthy eye. However, if you are looking for consuming a heavy dose of vitamin C; then you must go for green hot chili pepper as it offers 243 mg of vitamin C in 100 g of its serving. Some other rich sources of vitamin C are broccoli, bell peppers, guava, kiwi, brussels sprouts, dark leafy greens, papaya, and orange.
Conclusion
No doubt there exist some powerful measures to prevent the development of cataract. There are various types of fruits and vegetables in beautiful colors that are high in antioxidants. With such an extensive variety of nutritious foods, all you need to do is go to a grocery or purchase them online, consume them and keep your eyes healthy and prevent your self from cataract.