Cataract

Cataract is an eye disease which causes blurred vision. It results in the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye, placed at the back of the iris, or in its envelope. The lens can suffer from slight to complete opacity, blocking the passage of light. A person suffering from cataract cannot see clearly. As the lens becomes opaque, it hampers the entrance of light which distorts the visibility. Cataract is mainly caused due to three factors - deterioration in the nutrition of the lens, deposits of acids and salts between the lens fibers, and disintegration of lens fibers. Aging, diabetes, eye injury and down-syndrome are some of the other causes of this disease. You can treat cataract naturally also, provided you know the correct home remedies for the same, some of which have been mentioned below.

Causes and Symptoms of Cataract

Deterioration in the nutrition of the lens :There are three factors which contribute to the loss of transparency of the lens. These are deterioration in the nutrition of the lens which diminishes the vitality and resistance of the delicate lens fibres; deposits of acids and salts between the lens fibres which have an irritating effect on the lens tissues and exert an increasing pressure on its delicate fibres, gradually destroying them; and disintegration of lens fibres which cloud the entire lens in the absence of appropriate measures.

Poisons in the blood stream, faulty style of living :As in the case of most diseases, poisons in the blood stream due to dietetic errors and a faulty style of living, are the real cause of cataract. The toxic matter in the blood stream spreads throughout the body to find shelter in any available weak spot. It strikes the lens if it has become weak through strain, excessive use of the eyes, and local irritation. The condition becomes worse with the passage of time and then a cataract starts developing.

Stress and strain, alcoholic drinks, certain physical ailments :Other causes of cataract are stress and strain; excessive intake of alcoholic drinks, sugar, and salt; smoking; certain physical ailments such as gastro-intestinal or gall-bladder disturbances; diabetes; vitamin deficiencies; fatty acid intolerance; ageing; radiation; side-effects of drugs that have been prescribed for other diseases.

Home Remedies for Cataract

1.Carrots:The use of carrots is considered beneficial in the treatment of cataract. The patient should take plenty of raw carrots daily. As an alternative, he may drink two glasses of fresh carrot juice, one each in the morning and evening.

2.Garlic:The use of garlic is another effective home remedy for cataract. Two or three cloves should be eaten raw daily. They should be chewed slowly. Garlic helps to clean the crystalline lens of the eye.

3.Pumpkin:The flowers of pumpkin are valuable in cataract. The juice of these flowers should be extracted and applied externally on the eyelids twice daily. It will stop further clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye.

4.Aniseed:Aniseed is considered a useful remedy for cataract. An equal quantity of aniseed and coriander powder should be mixed with one teaspoon of brown sugar, and the mixture should be taken in doses of 12 gm in the morning and evening.

5.Honey:The use of unprocessed pure honey is another effective remedy for cataract. A few drops of this honey should be put in the eyes. This is an ancient Egyptian remedy which has benefitted many patients.

6.Almond:Almonds are valuable in cataract. Seven kernels should be ground finely with half a gram of pepper (black pepper) in half a cup of water, and drunk after sweetening the mixture with a teaspoon of sugar candy. It helps the eyes to regain their vigour.

7.A combination of cardamom and milk is said to be healthy for eyes. Grind 2 pieces of cardamom and put them in a glass of milk. Boil and bring it down to lukewarm temperature. Consume this milk, every night.

8.Include oranges and grapes in your diet, as they help in healing the eye and curing cataract.

9.Eat raw salads. Dressing them with olive oil and lemon juice would add to their benefit.