The lens of the eye is usually clear but if a person develops cataracts, the area becomes opaque and does not allow light to pass through making vision blurry. Because cataracts develop very slowly most people do not know they have them at first; additional lighting or stronger prescription eyeglasses may become necessary but will only help for a time.  If left untreated cataracts can impair vision to the point of not being able to see the face of a loved one or read the words of a favorite book and eventually could lead to blindness. What can you to do help treat and prevent cataracts? Plenty!

Herbs to Promote Eye Health and Help Prevent Cataracts

Bilberry is a powerful antioxidant that is used for eyesight, to improve night vision, for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Bilberry supports healthy eye function by protecting the integrity of the blood vessel walls from breakage or fluid leakage as well as its ability to increase blood circulation throughout the body, including the eyes. Our eyes need good blood circulation to receive essential nutrients on a continual basis so herbs like Bilberry and Gingko biloba should be considered to help keep your eyes strong and prevent cataracts. Grape Seed is also a powerful antioxidant that can potentially help reduce cell damage in the lens and slow down the growth of cataracts (while also helping you manage health conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol).

Hanna blended Witch Hazel Bark, Bilberry, Angelica Root, and Goldenseal Root to make her Herbal Combination Eye Formula. This clever assortment of herbs is suitable nourishment for healthy vision and can be taken by all age groups. Eye Formula maintains healthy existing eyesight.

Other Options to Promote Eye Health

Some homeopathic remedies have proven beneficial for people hoping to address cataracts. Hanna created a vibrational remedy called Cataract and there are others to consider that may offer promise. Sepia has been indicated when there is a sensation of weakness in the eyes with the symptom worsening as evening approaches. Causticum may be indicated when the sensation of sand or grit is in the eye, when eyelids feel heavy, or when the eyes feel better only when closed. Flashes of light, burning and itching, pressure in the eyes, as well as light sensitivity can also be addressed with causticum. Bentonite clay has been beneficial for cataract patients when applied as a clay paste to the eyelids or by making eye drops from water filtered through the clay to help dissolve the cataract.

Hanna’s remedies for cataracts:

• Lie down and drop as much fresh coconut juice as the eye can hold with an eye dropper then apply a hot, wet cloth over the closed eye. Keep the cloth hot for 10 minutes.
• Boil 2 ounces of bean pods in 1 ½ quarts water for 20 minutes and drink 6 ounces, 3 times a day.

Tips to Prevent Cataracts

1. Give Up Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of eye disease/conditions and smokers are likely to experience cataract symptoms earlier than non-smokers.
2. Eat Right: Whole grains, unrefined carbohydrates, good quality fats, plant sourced or lean animal proteins, and plenty of produce will keep your eyes (and the rest of your body) healthy.
3. Control Your Diabetes: If you are a diabetic your risk of cataracts is higher. Keep your diabetes under control and follow your treatment plan.
4. Exercise: Good for your entire body, including your eyes! Age-related macular degeneration and the risk of cataracts decreases with frequent exercise.
5. Sleep: Good sleep gives your eyes a rest; aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night.
6. Shade Your Eyes: UV radiation causes a great deal of damage to the eyes so keep them healthy by purchasing sunglasses that block UV rays.
7. Lose the Weight: Obesity significantly raises the risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes which in turn is a great risk factor in developing cataracts. Keeping your weight within a healthy range will prevent your risk from increasing.

Many vitamins and herbs have been shown to be effective in keeping our eyes healthy and our vision strong. There are even eye care tools such as pinhole glasses to exercise your eyes. Visit our eye-health section for some great products to keep your eyes at their best!