Your doctor may run the following tests to look for a developing cataract:
While you can always seek medical intervention to treat cataracts, here are some natural remedies that can help accelerate your recovery.
1-2 drops of hexane-free castor oil
Do this once daily for 1 to 6 months.
The powerful antioxidant properties of castor oil help repair the oxidative damage caused to your eyes (1).
Vitamins C and D can help prevent or slow down the progression of cataracts (2), (3). So, consume foods rich in these vitamins like citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, avocados, and almonds. You can also consult your doctor if you want to take additional supplements for these vitamins.
Do this once daily.
Apple cider vinegar is packed with antioxidants that are extremely beneficial for your health. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar can help repair the damaged lens (4).
1-2 drops of frankincense or lavender oil
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.
Frankincense and lavender oils are popular remedies to treat cataracts due to their antioxidant potential. They can help improve your vision by repairing the damage caused to your eyes by oxidative stress (5), (6).
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1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
Do this a few times daily for faster results.
Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. It provides nourishment to your eyes and fights signs of cataracts and other eye abnormalities (7).
• A few drops of coconut water
• A clean washcloth
You must do this at least twice daily.
Coconut water is believed to work like magic for cataracts. It is packed with electrolytes that provide instant nourishment to your eyes, and its antioxidant potential helps your eyes recover faster from oxidative damage (8).
½-1 tablespoon of cold pressed flaxseed oil
Add half to one tablespoon of flaxseed oil to your favorite dish or smoothie.
Do this on a daily basis for best results.
Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, making it one of the best remedies for treating cataracts. Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that work well against eye disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts (9).
Peeled garlic cloves
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.
Garlic contains allicin, which is a strong antioxidant that can repair oxidative damage in your eyes (10).
1. Mix half a teaspoon each of lemon juice and ginger juice.
2. Add a teaspoon of water to this mixture.
3. Soak two cotton pads in the mixture and place them over closed eyes.
4. Leave them on for 15 to 20 minutes and then take them off.
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
The topical application of ginger juice is a good way to cleanse your eyes and repair the damage. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can help soothe inflammation in your eyes, and its antioxidant effects can repair oxidative damage (11), (12).
40-120 mg of ginkgo biloba supplements
Take 40 to 120 mg of ginkgo biloba supplements.
Do this once daily.
Gingko biloba has strong antioxidant properties that have a positive effect on cataracts. This was proved in a study published in the Japanese Journal Of Ophthalmology in 2004 (13).
You must drink this twice daily.
Green tea is packed with polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants. These polyphenols can help protect your lens from further damage and reverse existing cataracts to an extent (14).
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.
Honey is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It can help treat existing damage to your lens and also prevent future ones (15).
You must do this at least once daily.
Regular use of lemon juice can help soothe eye irritation and other symptoms due to its citric acid content. It also has antioxidant properties that can help reduce cataracts (16).
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
The daily use of onion juice as eye drops enhances the functioning of your eyes. It also helps prevent cataract formation in the eyes as concluded by a study published in the Indian Journal Of Ophthalmology in 2009 (17).
1-2 ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice
Consume 1 to 2 ounces of wheatgrass juice daily.
Do this for a few weeks to see results.
Wheatgrass is an excellent home remedy for treating cataracts. It is rich in beta-carotene, which helps enhance your vision and prevent cataracts (18).
Olive oil (as required)
You must do this on a regular basis.
Olive oil is the perfect alternative to your regular cooking oil if you wish to fight cataracts. It is packed with antioxidants that help repair damaged lens and keep your eyes nourished and moisturized (19), (20).
In addition to following these remedies, you must also eat right. Given below are some foods that you must include in your daily diet to help fight cataracts better.
Since excess oxidative stress is believed to be one of the main causes of cataracts, foods rich in antioxidants can help. Consume foods like:
Beta-carotene rich foods can also help delay or prevent cataract formation. A few of them include:
You can also follow these prevention tips to prevent the recurrence of cataracts.
Cataracts can develop in anybody at any point in time. Hence, they need to be treated as early as possible to prevent them from progressing and worsening your eyesight.
Hope this article helps you in your fight against cataracts. For further doubts, feel free to get in touch with us via the comment box below.
What is the average age for cataracts?
Individuals aged between 41-60 years and above are commonly affected by cataracts. This clearly shows that advancing age is one of the leading risk factors for this condition.
What will happen if a cataract is left untreated?
Cataracts can cause legal blindness if left untreated. And when not treated for longer periods, they can cause total blindness.
Can you remove a cataract without surgery?
Currently, some eye drops are being tested for dissolving cataracts without the need for surgery. Also, the natural remedies mentioned above can help in treating cataracts. Refer to this thread!
How long does it take to get a cataract removed?
Surgery for cataract hardly takes 10 minutes. However, the blurriness after a surgery may take anywhere between 24 hours to even 2 weeks (in rare cases) to clear.
Hope this helps!
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