Cataracts, which are the leading cause of blindness and impaired vision in the elderly, are a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. Although there are many different types of cataracts, their biochemical and energetic aetiology are all the same. Once cataracts form and become chronic, surgical repair is the most effective method of treatment, although results cannot be guaranteed. Consequently, preventing their formation in the first place is the ideal.

The biochemical aetiology arises from the inability to maintain homeostatic concentration within the lens of certain minerals, including sodium, potassium and calcium ions. The homeostasis of these mineral concentrations is regulated by a pump called the sodium-potassium-ATP pump. When the pump is damaged by free radicals, abnormalities result.

The lens is composed of protein and water. Lifetime exposure to sunlight, artificial light, oxygen, viruses, bacteria, aging, environmental toxins and smoke exposes the lens protein to potential damage, similar to the damage that occurs to the protein in eggs that are boiled or fried), which then leads to the formation of cataracts.

The energetic aetiology of cataracts, according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is due to the stagnation of liver energy, or liver qi: all chronic eye diseases are related to energetic pathology of the liver. Cataracts are caused by chronic liver qi stagnation, liver yin deficiency and blood deficiency.

Nutritional medicine takes the view that cataracts are caused by high intake of galactose, which is a component of lactose, or milk sugar. This sugar alcohol builds up in the eye, resulting in an increased water uptake, which disrupts electrolyte balance. This leads to the synthesis of crystalline in the lens fibre cells. Diabetic patients must be extremely careful as they are especially prone to galactose-related cataract formation.

Optimal diet, healthy lifestyle, antioxidant defence and good liver function are the major focus in preventing cataract formation. People with cataracts tend to be deficient in vitamin C, copper, manganese and zinc. The use of the antioxidant glutathione together with its coenzyme, vitamin B2, protects the eye from toxins. Beta carotene is also a very powerful free radical scavenger and protects the eye against light-induced damaged to the fibre portion of the lens. Taurine, one of the major amino acids in the lens, has been shown to have the ability to delay the onset of cataracts.

Prevention of cataracts needs to be started as early as possible. Here are some of the tips of nutritional and lifestyle treatment.
Stop smoking

Increase consumption of lentils, onions, garlic, spinach, cabbage, sprouts, organic raw nuts and seeds.

Avoid eating excessive kelp, seaweed, shellfish, low-fat milk products, chocolate, pickles and commercial chicken as they are rich sources of vanadium, which can be toxic to the eyes.

Test for lead and mercury toxicity; hypothyroidism; glucose levels; mineral balance; blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Undergo a supervised bowel and liver detoxification once every 16 month to rid body of toxins.

Avoid direct UV light and constant bright-light exposure.
If you work in air conditioning, rest your eyes regularly. Close your eyes for two minutes every hour. Go out and get fresh air, look at green trees and plants during your breaks; also, place big leafy green plants in your office and look at them regularly in a relaxed manner. All office workers, teachers and students in China perform eye exercises at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.