Eyes are precious, they need proper care. Even a slight carelessness can cause eye diseases and cataract is also one of them. Only with the right information and better treatment, we can avoid this disease. in the article, we will also discuss Home Remedies for Cataracts.
Types of Cataracts
There can be many types of cataracts, but of these, five types of cataracts affect the most, which are as follows:
1. Congenital cataract:
This type of cataract can be present from the time of birth or it can happen during childhood to the baby.
2. Secondary Cataract:
Secondary cataract can be caused by diabetes, glaucoma (eye problem) surgery or drugs like steroids.
3. Radiation Cataract:
This type of cataract can be caused by radiation after a chemotherapy procedure to treat cancer.
4. Traumatic Cataract:
This type of cataract can occur due to any injury to the eye. It is also called traumatic cataract.
5. Age related cataract:
This is the most common type of cataract. Natural changes with increasing age can lead to the development of cataracts, which are known as age related cataracts.
Causes of Cataracts
Cataracts can be caused by the following:
- clouding of the lens due to protein
- wound or injury to the eye
- Radiation
- prolonged use of steroids
- smoking
- UV radiation
- diabetes or glaucoma
- Chronic eye disease or surgery
- eye swelling
- glaucoma in the family
- eye surgery
Symptoms of Cataracts
Some of the most common symptoms of glaucoma are:
- Blurred vision
- Colors may appear pale.
- Vehicle headlights, lamps or sunlight may appear bright.
- A dim circle may appear around the light.
- Not seeing anything properly at night.
- Having double vision. This may be an obvious symptom.
- Frequently changing the number of glasses or contact lenses.
- sensitivity to light.
Note: These symptoms can also be a sign of other eye problems. If any of these symptoms are seen, then immediately get the eyes checked by the doctor.
Home Remedies To Cure Cataracts
Cataract is treated by surgery, but some home remedies can be used to reduce its risk. Here we are telling home remedies for cataract, which are as follows:
1. Garlic
Stuff:
a couple of garlic cloves
How to use:
Chew one or two garlic cloves.
You can also add garlic to your favorite dishes.
How is it beneficial?
The use of garlic can be beneficial in the problem of cataract . Actually, antioxidant properties are found in garlic. It may help prevent cataracts by reducing the effects caused by oxidative stress in the eyes.
2. Lemon Juice
Stuff:
half teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon water
cotton ball
How to use:
Mix lemon juice with a teaspoon of water.
Then soak the cotton ball in it.
Place a cotton ball over the closed eyelids and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Now remove the cotton and wash your eyes with plain water.
When to use:
You can do this once a day.
How is it beneficial?
The use of lemon is also considered beneficial in cataract . Due to the presence of citric acid in it, its regular use can help to soothe the burning sensation and other symptoms in the eyes. It also has antioxidant properties, which may help reduce cataracts.
3. Green Tea
Stuff:
1 teaspoon green tea
1 cup water
How to use:
Mix a teaspoon of green tea in a cup of water and bring it to a boil.
Allow this tea to warm slightly before drinking it.
When to use:
You can drink green tea twice daily.
How is it beneficial?
The benefits of green tea have been seen in the problem of cataract. Green tea contains an element called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which may help protect the lens from damage and reduce cataracts.
4. Honey
Stuff:
a spoonful of honey
two tablespoons water
How to use:
It can be stored in the fridge.
With the help of eye drops, 1-2 drops can be put in the eyes.
You can also consume a spoonful of honey regularly.
When to use:
You can do this once daily.
How is it beneficial?
The benefits of honey have been seen in many diseases. Honey has anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties. Both these effects can help in correcting defects in the lens of the eye. Also, can provide protection from any kind of damage to the eyes in the future. However, before using honey in the eye, consult a doctor once.
5. Vitamins
Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B are rich in antioxidants. These can be effective in protecting the eyes from cataracts. Consuming foods rich in these vitamins can cure many diseases of the eyes. These foods include citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, avocados, and almonds. If you want to take vitamin supplements for the eyes, then definitely ask your doctor first.
6. Carrot Juice
Material :
1 glass carrot juice
How to use:
Drink carrot juice.
When to use:
You can consume this juice daily.
How is it beneficial?
Carrot juice can also protect against the risk of cataracts. In fact, it is a good source of two types of dietary carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are also found in the lens of the human eye.
Along with this, according to a research, both these carotenoids can be beneficial in the prevention of cataract. Along with this, the antioxidants present in them can also reduce the effects of cataracts caused by it by reducing oxidative damage.
7. Almonds
Stuff:
5-6 almonds
How to use:
Put almonds in a bowl of water and keep it overnight.
On the second day, take off the peels of soaked almonds and consume them.
When to use:
You can consume it daily.
How is it beneficial?
The use of almonds has also been considered beneficial in the problem of cataract . According to research, a vitamin called coenzyme Q10 is found in almonds. Coenzyme Q10 may help protect against lens epithelial cell apoptosis that causes cataracts. In this way, almonds can be helpful in eye care as well as in preventing cataract.
8. Spinach
Stuff:
15-16 leaves spinach
How to use:
Put the spinach leaves in the juicer and extract the juice.
When to use:
You can consume a glass of spinach juice daily.
How is it beneficial?
Consumption of spinach can also be beneficial in the problem of cataract. Actually, carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin are found in it. As we mentioned earlier, lutein and zeaxanthin are important components for eye health. Both of these carotenoids may be effective in enhancing eye health as well as protecting the eyes from cataracts.
9. Castor Oil
Material :
1-2 drops of castor oil
How to use:
Put a drop of castor oil in your eyes at night and sleep.
When to use:
Do this daily for 1 month.
How is it beneficial?
Castor oil has powerful antioxidant properties. It can help repair oxidative damage to your eyes, a positive effect of which may help reduce the risk of cataracts. However, more research still needs to be done in this subject. Consult an ophthalmologist before using castor oil for eyes.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Stuff:
one tbsp apple cider vinegar
one glass hot water
1 tablespoon honey
How to use:
Mix one teaspoon of honey and apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water.
Consume it when mixed well.
You can also use carrot juice instead of water.
When to use:
Prepared with apple vinegar, this drink can be taken once daily.
How is it beneficial?
Apple cider vinegar is rich in antioxidant properties, which are considered extremely beneficial for eye health. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar can help in repairing the damaged eye lens.
11. Aloe Vera
Material :
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
How to use:
Keep fresh aloe vera gel in the fridge for some time
When it cools down, apply it on closed eyelids.
Leave it like this for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with water.
When to use:
It can be used daily.
Apart from this, one drop of the juice of the leaves can be used twice a day in the form of eye drops.
How is it beneficial?
The use of aloe vera can be beneficial in the problem of cataracts. The research mentions that it can be used for the treatment of cataracts due to the compounds called anthraquinones, aloe-emodin, and chrysophanol present in aloe vera. For this, it has been recommended to use one drop of aloe vera juice as eye drops twice a day.
13. Coconut Water
Stuff:
How to use:
Drink coconut water daily.
When to use:
It can be consumed once daily.
It is believed that the use of coconut water can be an effective treatment for cataract. The nutrients found in it can provide instant nutrition to the eyes. It nourishes the lens of the eye as well as can help it heal faster. By nourishing the lens, it may be effective in warding off nuclear cataracts.
How is it beneficial?
14. Flaxseed Oil
Material :
tsp linseed oil
How to use:
You can use linseed oil while making your favorite dish.
When to use:
It can be used as a daily diet.
How is it beneficial?
Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it one of the best remedies for cataract treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may work well against eye disorders caused by cataracts, such as macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye problem that occurs with age, in which the ability to see gradually decreases.
15. Ginger
Material :
half teaspoon ginger juice
half teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon water
cotton ball
How to use:
Mix lemon and ginger juice.
Then add a spoonful of water to this mixture.
Now soak two cotton balls in the mixture and place them on your closed eyes.
Leave it like this for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove it.
When to use:
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.
How is it beneficial?
Consumption of ginger can also be helpful in this problem. Actually, it also has properties that reduce the effect of cataract. As research shows, a major cause of cataracts is also oxidative stress. At the same time, the antioxidant effect found in ginger may be beneficial in the problem of cataracts and glaucoma by reducing oxidative stress and oxidative damage.
16. Ginkgo biloba
Stuff:
40-120 mg Ginkgo Biloba
How to use:
Take a dosage of 40 to 120 mg of Ginkgo biloba.
When to use:
It can be consumed once daily.
How is it beneficial?
The use of Ginkgo biloba may also be effective in reducing the problem of cataracts . According to a research done on rats, the antioxidant properties present in Ginkgo biloba can show a positive effect in reducing cataracts caused by radiation. On this basis, it would not be wrong to say that the use of Ginkgo biloba can reduce the risk of cataract to a great extent.
17. Onion Juice
Stuff:
ten grams onion juice
10 grams ginger juice
10 grams lemon juice
50 grams honey
How to use:
Mix all these ingredients together and put them in a clean glass bottle and keep it in a cool place. It can also be stored in the fridge for a month.
Now you can put two drops in this mixture in both your eyes.
When to use:
This home remedy can be used daily.
How is it beneficial?
According to a study, regular use of onion juice can improve the functioning of the eyes. Research published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology in 2009 also states that using onion juice can prevent cataracts. At the same time, information has been given above in the article about the benefits of ginger, lemon, and honey for the eyes.
18. Wheatgrass Juice
Stuff :
1 glass wheatgrass juice
How to use:
Consume 1 glass of wheatgrass juice daily.
When to use:
Consume it for a few weeks.
how is it beneficial
Wheatgrass can be an effective home remedy to treat cataracts. A research clearly states that it is rich in oxygen radical absorption capacity, ie antioxidant properties. These properties can help correct vision impairment, enhance vision, and prevent cataracts. However, more research is needed on this topic.
19. Olive Oil
Stuff:
olive oil (as needed)
How to use:
You can add olive oil to your favorite dishes and salads.
You can put a drop of olive oil in the eyes.
When to use:
This should be done regularly.
How is it beneficial?
If you want to fight cataracts, olive oil can be the right choice. Olive oil contains components called lutein and zeaxanthin. It helps repair damaged eyes and may provide eye protection from cataracts. Also, take special care that you use virgin olive oil for food and discuss it with your doctor before using it in your eyes.
Diet For Cataracts
With increasing age, the lack of nutrients in the body can cause cataract. Below is a list of some selected foods, which are considered good for eye health:
1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin:
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, corn, kale, oranges, papaya, spinach and eggs etc.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseed , linseed oil, salmon fish and walnuts etc.
3. Vitamins
Vitamin A:
Apricots, carrots, mangoes, red chillies, ricotta cheese (part-skim), spinach and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin C:
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, grapes, kiwi, oranges, red peppers and strawberries.
Vitamin E:
Almonds, broccoli, peanut butter, spinach, sunflower seeds etc.
4. Zinc:
Chickpeas, pork, red meat and curd etc.
Diagnosis of Cataracts
To diagnose glaucoma, a doctor may examine the eyes in the following ways:
Testing of the retina
The doctor may examine the eyes to detect cataracts. For this, using eye drops to dilate the pupil of the eye, you can examine the size and color of the optic nerve properly.
Slit lamp test
During this test, the doctor examines the front part of the eye through a microscope. In this, along with the lens, the pupil and retina of the eye are also examined.
Visual acuity test: During this test, the doctor can examine the vision to detect cataracts. An eye chart is used for this test, in which letters are written. The doctor may ask to read the letters in the chart with one eye to examine the eyes.
Measures to Avoid Cataracts
- To avoid cataract, keep the following things in mind:
- Get your eyes checked regularly.
- Do not smoke
- Medical conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of cataracts. Therefore, get it treated properly.
- Choose a healthy diet.
- Use sunglasses.
- Do not consume alcohol.
When should I consult a doctor?
If any of the following symptoms appear when there is a problem with the eyes, then one should go to the doctor:
- Reduced or blurred vision at night.
- Extremely sensitive to light.
- Vision loss means not seeing.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the average age of getting cataracts?
People aged 40-60 years and above are commonly affected by cataract. Aging is one of its risk factors.
What happens if glaucoma is not treated?
If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness.
Can Cataracts Be Cured Without Surgery?
No, cataract cannot be cured without surgery, but if cataract is in early stage, it can be stopped from growing by home remedies. Apart from this, to cure cataract, it is also necessary to treat some diseases related to it like diabetes etc. Cataract can also be cured by this.
How long does it take for cataracts to heal?
How long it takes for a cataract to heal completely depends on its treatment. At the same time, cataracts can be cured within a few months after surgery.
Do cataracts need to be repaired?
Yes, if the cataract is not corrected, it can cause loss of vision.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful?
No, cataract surgery is not painful. Doctors perform cataract surgery using numbing eye drops, due to which the patient does not feel pain.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Heal Cataracts?
Yes, apple cider vinegar has antioxidant effects, which may help to reduce cataracts caused by oxidative stress to some extent. However, it would be better to consult a doctor for this.