Natural Ways To Prevent Cataracts

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Cataracts affect tens of millions of people around the world, particularly the older population. There are many valuable home remedies for cataracts, including the use of almonds, carrots, garlic, honey, spinach, bananas, green tea, bilberry, and wheatgrass, among others.

Home Remedies 

Let us discuss these home remedies in detail below.

Bilberry

Berries consist of powerful antioxidants, which help in combating the oxidative stress that affects various parts of the body, including the eyes.

Lutein-rich food

Lutein is a powerful antioxidant that helps in the battle against cataracts. This antioxidant is commonly found in fruits and vegetables like kiwi, grapes, zucchini, and squash. These fruits also help improve eye health and slow the clouding of lenses associated with cataracts.

A white bowl of fresh bilberries with leaves on a wooden table

Bilberries are often recommended as a home remedy for eye conditions. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Spinach

Green, leafy vegetables like spinach are widely popular as a potential remedy for cataracts. These vegetables possess high levels of phytonutrients, which can reverse the damage done by oxidative stress and free radicals in the eyes. By neutralizing these negative effects of free radicals and preventing the deposition of protein, spinach can keep your vision clear and focused.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the most versatile and beneficial food. Its active ingredient, allicin, is an extremely powerful antioxidant, along with being an antifungal and antibacterial agent. It can give your immune system a much-needed boost and cut down oxidative stress throughout the body, including in the eyes, thus delaying or even reversing the development of cataracts.

Wheatgrass

Research has connected wheatgrass to a reduction in cataracts, making it a  popular approach for many people struggling with their vision. Wheatgrass is known for its dense, healthy nature, and now there is yet another healthy reason to drink this nutrient-dense beverage, thanks to the presence of phytonutrients and other antioxidants in it.

Honey

Honey is one of the most nutrient-rich substances available to us and it has been miraculous in healing countless conditions over the years. Although the idea of putting honey in your eyes may sound strange, if you have pure honey, you can put a small amount in your eyes and let the dense nutrients and antioxidants work their magic.

Almonds

For generations, almonds have been used as a traditional remedy for vision problems. You can soak the nuts overnight and then consume them in the morning for the best results. Almonds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and other powerful organic compounds that help improve overall health and prevent inflammation in the body, thereby lowering the risk of cataract.

Carrots

Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene. This pigment is an important precursor to vitamin A, which directly improves eye health. Carrots also contain the antioxidant, lutein, which cuts down the oxidative stress in the eye and prevent the formation of plaque or protein deposition. Carrots can also help slow the onset of macular degeneration and generally keep your eyes in good health

Green Tea

Antioxidant-rich green tea can help improve the condition of cataracts. The phytonutrients present in green tea are particularly effective in slowing down the advance of this clouding of the lens. By neutralizing free radicals and slowing down oxidative stress in the eye, regular green tea consumption can keep your eyes young and healthy for years.

Ginger and Lemon

Ginger and lemon have a great number of antioxidants present in them, which helps prevent and reduce cataracts. You can drop ginger juice mixed with a small amount of lemon juice in your eye for direct relief of these problems. The sensation won’t be initially pleasant, according to anecdotal evidence. It is highly beneficial for a person suffering from cataracts.

Ashwagandha

In many parts of India, ashwagandha is known to treat and even eliminate various diseases, including cataracts. This is due to its nutrient-dense nature and antioxidants present in it. Research has shown that taking ashwagandha root powder extract can slow the advance of cataracts and improve vision over the long term.

Papaya

Papaya has a huge effect on human health due to the high concentration of papain present in it. Papain is an enzyme that helps to speed the process of protein digestion. Those cloudy spots on your lens are made of excess protein, so adding papaya (and papain) to your regular diet can considerably reduce the occurrence of cataracts.

Final Word of Warning

Without treatment, serious cataract development can lead to blindness. If you have access to an ophthalmologist and have experienced cataract symptoms, you should check them out to see their severity. These home remedies are shared as preventative measures or treatment options for mild to moderate cataracts.

DMCA.com Protection Status
About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

Rate this article
Average rating 4.2 out of 5.0 based on 91 user(s).