Medicine has always prescribed surgery as the best cure for a cataract problem. However, recent studies have successfully found some painless alternatives to a cataract surgery. They are safe and guaranteed to go easy on your pocket!
Cataract is one of the leading reasons behind permanent and temporary blindness experienced by eye patients. More than 25,000 new cases of cataract get treated around the world each day. Majority of the cataract cases around the world are treated by using surgical options. However, there are several patients who fear surgery on account of certain medical risks. A thorough search for alternate cataract treatments has thrown light on some new methods as well as a few Indian medicinal techniques. Some of them are listed below.
1. Eye Drops
Cataract patients can opt for usage of N-Acetyl-Carnosine Can-C eye drops, which are freely available in the market. These drops can be purchased across the counter from pharmacies or even online. However, I warn patients to use the drops only after consulting their eye specialist.
2. Quercetin
A daily dosage of approximately 600 to 1000 mg of a drug called Quercetin is considered as suitable medication to get rid of cataract. However, consumption of this drug should be avoided if the cataract patient is pregnant or shows symptoms of an unconfirmed pregnancy.
3. Avoid Lactose Consumption
It is clinically proven that lactose is a likely cause for formation of cataract. It is therefore recommended that patients should give up or reduce consumption of lactose or milk based food products.
4. Copper and Zinc Supplements
Approximately 300 to 600 mg of N-Acetylcysteine coupled with minor proportions of copper and zinc can be used every 24 hours to help reduce and destroy the free radicals that cause cataract. Doctors recommend consumption of approximately 50 mg of zinc and 3 mg of copper each day in the form of dietary supplements.
5. Riboflavin Supplements
Consumption of approximately 50 mg of riboflavin rich supplements each day is known to reduce the aggressive development of cataract. Consistent consumption of riboflavin is likely to keep cataract formation in check.
6. Consume Vitamin C
A daily consumption of minimum 1000 mg of Vitamin C is likely to reduce the effects of free radicals that cause cataract. It is recommended that patients should consume either fresh fruits such as lemons, sweet limes, oranges, tangerines, etc., or vitamin C pills.
7. Consume Vitamin E
A dietary supplement of Vitamin E rich foods and selenium has proven results in reducing the condition. However, make sure to consult your eye specialist to know the correct measure of supplements to be consumed by you.
Apart from the intake of dietary supplements, researchers have proved that cataract can be cured with the help of natural therapies. Some of these therapies are listed below.
1. Juice Therapy
It is suggested that patients should consume fresh juices made from cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, acai berries, artichokes, pomegranates etc. These fruits and vegetables have high antioxidant properties which help fight free radicals in the body.
2. Food Therapy
It is suggested that cataract patients should consume meals comprising antioxidants such as garlic, soybean, bilberry extracts and kidney beans. One may also consume dried fruits such as cashews, pecans, walnuts and tropical spices such as cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and oregano. Dark chocolate and green tea are some of the best foods with anti-oxidation properties which in turn help to tackle the cataract formation.
3. Ayurveda Therapy
Ayurveda refers to the traditional system of medicine originating in India. Most Ayurvedic medicines can either be purchased from reputed Indian pharmacies or through online shopping. An Ayurvedic medicine known as triphala powder is recommended as a cure for cataract. Boil a teaspoon of this powder in approximately two cups of water to make a tea. After sufficient boiling, the tea mixture may be kept aside to cool down. This solution should then be used to wash the eye affected with cataract.
4. Reflexology and Acupressure Therapy
Both of these forms of therapy profess the use of physical pressure techniques that help reduce eye stress and cure cataract.
5. Imagery Therapy
Doctors recommend cataract patients to enroll for imagery sessions, wherein patients are made to sit and view various medically tested images. These images are either recorded on film or printed on paper. Viewing these images helps strengthen the eye muscles which gradually reduces the cataract.
6. Steaming and Sauna Therapy
Alternative medicine therapies suggest a home remedy of facial steaming as a cure for cataract. This method involves exposure of the pores around the eyes to pure water steam. Another popular method involves a sauna bath which helps clear all facial pores, stimulate blood circulation, and get rid of toxins. This therapy is known for curing cataract.
- Typically, cataract is caused by clouding of the natural lens in an eye, which in turn obstructs clarity of vision. Cataract can either be partial or complete in nature and needs to be treated as soon as it is detected. Any negligence in administering prompt medical attention can lead to permanent blindness in patients.
- Cataract normally starts developing on account of the natural aging process of a person, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, high blood pressure problems, exposure to x-rays and UV radiation, over-exposure to sunlight, damage or trauma to the eye and on account of the process of oxidation caused by free radicals.
- Cataracts tend to co-exist with diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and scleroderma. There is a likelihood to develop hereditary cataract problems too.
- Currently, doctors use the extra-capsular surgery, intra-capsular surgery, laser surgery, and phaco-emulsification surgery to remove cataracts.
- Common post-surgical risks include bruising of eyes, uncontrolled bleeding, inner eye infection, leakage in incision, retinal detachment, rupture in posterior capsule, permanent loss of side vision, re-emergence of cataract, glaucoma, dislocation of implanted lens, cystoid macular edema, etc.
All the above forms of therapy and medication are said to be safe and natural methods of tackling cataract. Additionally, patients do not have to endure any pain while using these alternatives. It is important to note that most of the above alternatives do not have any side effects. It is further suggested that patients avoid direct exposure to solar rays and intense heat while undergoing these treatments.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only, and does not in any way attempt to replace the diagnosis of a doctor. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.
