Having cataracts is like driving through heavy fog with a frost-covered windshield. The only problem is that it does not clear when you reach the other side. Few people accept cataracts as a part of aging, but blurred and diminished eyesight is not unavoidable.

Overexposure to the sun is what predominantly causes cataracts. However, other factors can come into play. Other factors include heredity, injury, diabetes, and some medications, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays. Sugar also plays a role in the formation of cataracts, but is mostly seen in diabetics.

People with cataracts do not experience any pain. However, the condition comes on slowly. They usually start with blurred vision, spots, and the feeling that a film is covering the eyes. Seeing halos around lights and glare from lamps and the sun are other symptoms people might experience. Therefore, if left alone cataracts can eventually lead to blindness. It is very important to get your eyes checked regularly in the hopes of catching problems early.

If you are at a high risk of getting cataracts, planning a good diet around antioxidant rich content early is a very good thing to do. Eat plenty of greens (leafy and cruciferous vegetables), oranges (the fruit with the same color along with sweet potatoes), yellows (squashes and bananas); reds (apples, cabbages, and beans). Below are some herbs that you can also eat as leafy greens.

Herbs high in vitamin A

- Dandelion leaves
- Purslane leaves
- Turmeric

Herbs high in Vitamin C

- Parsley
- Rose hips
- Turmeric

Herbs and foods high in Vitamin E

- Nuts and seeds
- Turmeric
- Whole grains

Cataract eye surgery

Once cataracts develop, there is no known way to reverse the damage to the lens using herbal or pharamaceutical means. Replacing the damaged lens via surgery is the only treatment available. This surgery is one of the most widely performed today. According to statistics, ninety percent of people who have this operation, their vision are greatly improved. To most cataracts sufferers this is crucial because it allows them to continue to drive automobiles.

Cataract surgery only takes thirty minutes of your time. This surgery can be performed as an outpatient or with a hospital stay ranging from one to three days.

Herbal Remedies For Cataracts

Bilberry – Protecting the eyes from disease is the specialty of these berries. Bilberry contains a high amount of anthocyanosides and antioxidants, nutrients that can prevent clouding of the eyes. Bilberry is also related to blueberries, cranberries, and huckleberries, which contain anthocyanosides. This gives you a great reason to eat these delicious berries every day.

Rosemary – This widely used herb contains a diverse amount of antioxidants. This herb has not been as extensively researched for its ability to prevent cataracts as bilberry, but it is worth a try.

Turmeric – This popular spice is packed with antioxidants. It contains vitamin A, C, and E, all of which are known to prevent cataracts. The main ingredient in this herb is called curcumin and it has been shown to prevent cataracts in animals.