Is there anything that can be done to slow down the growth of cataracts?

B.

A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye's crystalline lens, most commonly due to the natural aging process. The main problem that occurs with the progression of a cataract is decreased vision, which can eventually interfere with a person's ability to drive and carry out other routine activities. At this time, there are no medications to improve vision once a cataract has developed. However, cataract surgery is highly successful with very low risks.

The cause isn't usually known, but can sometimes result from excessive sunlight, inflammatory eye diseases, some drugs, or complications from diseases like diabetes. Factors known to contribute to cataract development include smoking, excessive sunlight exposure, diabetes and trauma to the eye. In addition, oxidation of proteins in the eye's lens is thought to play a major role in the advancement of age-related cataracts.

A study published in the October 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the relationship between dietary intake of antioxidants and the need for cataract surgery. After adjusting for known cataract risk factors, such as smoking, researchers found that people with the highest intake of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin had a 22 percent lower rate of cataract surgery compared with those who had the lowest intake. Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale. The intake of other popular antioxidants -- such as beta-carotene, vitamin A and retinol -- did not decrease the risk of developing cataracts severe enough to require surgery. I hope this information helps you modify your risk factors for the development of cataracts.