What Are Cataracts
Cataracts Definition
Cataracts are a breakdown of the proteins in the eye lenses, which may take a while to become visibly apparent. As the lenses age, a cloudy film begins to develop, eventually affecting vision as well as the appearance of the eye. In most cases, cataracts can be successfully treated and vision restored.
Cataract Surgery Overview
A Safe and Beneficial Procedure
Tired of cloudy vision? Cataract surgery is safe and effective, has many benefits, has a high success rate, and will be covered by most insurance companies.
Cataracts are a common cause of low vision in the elderly. Remember sun protection and quitting smoking may help to prevent or delay cataracts.
Cataracts Hereditary
Most people don’t have to worry about cataract surgery until they are in their 70s. Development of this disorder any younger is exceedingly unusual, except in a few rare cases where genetics are usually at fault.
Can Cataracts Lead to Blindness?
Eyes suffering from cataracts may look partially or fully clouded, depending on how far the condition has advanced. If left untreated, complete blindness may occur or at the very least, extremely obscured vision.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging therefore very common in older people and are the leading cause of cataracts blindness in adults worldwide.
Initial detection of the problem can be difficult. Eyesight can degrade naturally over time, so it is not unusual to swap for higher prescriptions every few years. However, this is also a sign of potential cataracts. While not painful, if you are having increasing problems with nearsightedness, you should speak to your ophthalmologist.
Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally unnecessary until you feel that your vision is too poor. For some patients, the condition may never even develop to a point where a procedure is necessary.
Types Of Cataracts
The concept behind cataract surgery may seem a bit horrific. Your eye must be cut open in order to remove the defective lenses and replaced with an intraocular transplant. There are three different surgical methods that doctors currently employ which are
* Phacoemulsification
* Extracapsular extraction
* Intracapsular extraction.
Phacoemulsification, or phaco, is the most commonly used and considered to have the highest success rate. However, depending on the severity of cataracts, another method may be chosen by the surgeon. The lens transplant allows patients to see clearly, and in many cases without the aid of glasses.
Cataracts Complications
It is rare for any other complications to develop due to a cataract being present, so if you do wish to wait before undergoing surgery, the only risk is further temporary vision difficulties.
There is little discomfort following cataract surgery and complications are not common. Patients can return home on the same day and after a few days to a week should be completely recovered. There are generally no strong pains (over-the-counter medication should be sufficient to control any irritations) but there can be blurred vision.
Cataracts Side Effects
Some patients will find no side effects and be able to return to normal activities immediately. Swelling, high blood pressure, hemorrhaging, loss of sight, and full loss of the eyeball structure are all potential risks, but with a 95% success rate, it is far safer than most surgeries.
There are many benefits to treating cataracts other than the obviously improved sight. Most insurance companies will cover the basic implants, but more advanced or upgraded models can be purchased for the difference. Once treated, there is no chance of future development of cataracts due to a lack of a natural lens.
There is also the likelihood that you may be free from glasses or contacts forever, or at the very least have a less powerful prescription, so no more thick lenses to detract from your face.
Cataracts Symptoms
A cataract starts out small and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting.
A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.
The type of cataract you have will affect exactly which symptoms you experience and how soon they will occur.
• Blurry vision
• Colors that seem faded
• Glare
• Not being able to see well at night
• Double vision
• Frequent prescription changes in your eyewear
When a nuclear cataract first develops it can bring about a temporary improvement in your near vision, called “second sight.” Unfortunately, the improved vision is short-lived and will disappear as the cataract worsens. Meanwhile, a subcapsular cataract may not produce any symptoms until it’s well-developed.
If you think you have a cataract, see an eye doctor for an exam to find out for sure.
Cataract Causes
The lens is made mostly of water and protein. Specific proteins within the lens are responsible for maintaining its clarity. Over many years, the structures of these lens proteins are altered, ultimately leading to a gradual clouding of the lens.
Cataracts From Birth
Rarely, cataracts can present at birth or in early childhood as a result of hereditary enzyme defects, and severe trauma to the eye, eye surgery, or intraocular inflammation can also cause cataracts to occur earlier in life.
Cataracts Formation
Other factors that may lead to the development of cataracts at an earlier age include excessive ultraviolet light exposure, diabetes, smoking, or the use of certain medications, such as oral, topical, or inhaled steroids. Other medications that are more weakly associated with cataracts include the long-term use of statins and phenothiazines.
Cataracts Treatment – When To Have Surgery
If you have cataracts, you may find that your vision is still good enough for you to get along fine with glasses or contact lenses and that surgery isn’t required.
The time to consider treatment is if your vision has become noticeably worse, can’t be corrected with a change in your prescription lenses and this is interfering with your everyday activities such as work and hobbies.
Left untreated, your lens may eventually become very cloudy so that it’s impossible to see any detail at all, although you will always be able to see some light.
Wearing glasses may improve your vision if your cataract is in the early stages of development, but your cataract will probably get worse over time so this will only provide a temporary solution.
Cataracts Cure
There is no known way to prevent cataracts that develop as a result of getting older.
So far, no medication or diet has been found to slow down the growth of cataracts, and there is no medication that can clear a clouded lens.
Cataracts Removal
Surgical removal of your cataract is the only way to restore or maintain your vision. This involves replacing your cloudy lens with an artificial one.
The most common technique is called phacoemulsification. This is typically performed under local anesthetic. This completely blocks the feeling from the eye area and you will stay awake during the operation. You will normally be allowed home the same day.
What Is The Meaning of Cataracts Surgery
Do you suffer from cloudy vision? Are the sights that you see covered with a murky film that doesn’t go away when you wipe your eyes? If you are over the age of 55, you may wish to consult your ophthalmologist because you may have Cataracts.
Cataracts Description and Surgery
Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens in your eye which is the part of your eye that focuses in and sharpens images. Cataracts form when an accumulation of dead cells clump together over time, clouding your vision.
Although those over the age of 55 are the highest number of cases dealing with Cataracts, it is also possible to get cataracts if you are diabetic or if somehow you have injured your eye. Luckily, Cataract surgery is available and has become one of the most performed eye surgeries today.
Any surgery can be a risky and frightening procedure and cataracts surgery is no exception; however, this surgery is quite common and though risks do occur, they are small and not frequent. You should start by discussing with your ophthalmologist if you are a prime candidate for this procedure is where.
Once they determine if Cataracts surgery will be beneficial to you, it is then time to discuss what will happen during and after the surgery. The surgery is done quickly; usually about an hour and on an outpatient basis.
Eye drops are placed into your eye to dilate your pupils and a local anesthetic is then administered to numb the area. Since this is a nerve-wracking experience, a sedative is sometimes given to help the patient relax.
During the surgery, the clouded lens causing your cataract is removed using a laser probe to break up the cloudy party of your lens, and then using suction, the fragments are absorbed. Usually, if your cataracts are small, your surgeon will only remove the top part of the lens, keeping the back, undamaged part of your lens in place.
If your cataracts are more advanced, your surgeon may need completely remove the lens and implant an artificial lens. Although this sounds tedious, it is done in just about the same amount of time.
Cataracts Surgery Cost
The costs of eye surgery for Cataracts are very expensive. Without medical insurance providers can be as high as $3000, depending on the severity of your problem and if you need an artificial lens implanted or not.
Your ophthalmologist will be able to determine the exact cost (barring any unforeseen costs during the surgery) before the procedure takes place so you are able to plan ahead and discuss with your insurance company how much if any, they are willing to cover.
Cataracts A Surgical Revolution
If you or someone you love suffers from cataracts, it’s important to explore your options in cataract surgery. Read on to learn more about new advancements in the field.
In several fields of medicine, new technological advancements are making microsurgery more efficient and more effective than ever. From laser light to sound waves, more and more people are getting the medical help they need with precision microsurgery.
In the field of ophthalmology, there are procedures that can help doctors provide better ways to correct a number of ailments. One of the procedures that have had recently more success is cataract surgery.
Before advancements for this condition, those that suffered from cataracts did not have surgical options. Today, you do. For many men and women suffering from this degenerative condition, this is great news.
First, if you’ve been told you or a loved one has cataracts, it’s important to know what this condition is in order to understand how new surgical techniques can help. Cataracts affect layers of the outer eye known as lenses. They cloud the eye, making it difficult for you to see.
It can also cause sensitivity to light and affect your ability to differentiate between colors. If left untreated, it can cause blindness. Most people experience signs of this condition as they age. Because most patients for surgery are between 60 and 80 years old, the precision and safety of cataract surgery is necessary in order to take advantage of the benefits.
Microsurgery
When thinking about your options with cataract surgery, the best place to start is to speak to an ophthalmologist that has access to the latest technology. The procedure falls under the category of microsurgery, so the more precise the tools, the better success a doctor will have to remove your cataracts.
The surgeon uses laser or sound technology to break up the natural lenses that have developed cataracts. The surgeon then installs an implant lens to replace it. This lens also has the ability to improve your ability to see clearly and, in some cases, can also correct astigmatism.
After the operation, you will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection while the new lens is accepted by your body. Recovery time usually takes one to two weeks.
Cataract surgery is one of the newest procedures that have become available through the recent advancements in technology. If you or your loved one would like to explore your options, there are resources on the web to learn more about eligibility for this procedure, costs, and other details.
Your best resource, however, is a local ophthalmologist who can discuss your condition and your options one-on-one. Through consultation, they will introduce the details of the technology they use and explain how they will develop a unique surgery that will effectively address your specific stage of the condition.
LASIK Surgery
If you have not heard of LASIK surgery, you want to look into this revolutionary new procedure that more and more people are doing worldwide. This procedure is virtually pain-free with almost no downtime. For years people have been unhappy with the constant use of glasses and contacts.
You want to be rid of the hassle associated with wearing glasses and contacts. There is a great alternative that is available to you if you’re considering getting rid of your contacts or glasses for a more permanent solution. You may want to consult with a physician to see if LASIK surgery is right for you.
Millions of people who wear glasses or contacts have reported that they are just plain unhappy with the look and feel of wearing either of these lenses. It’s simply not the same as experiencing the restoration of your own sight.
Physicians who perform these surgeries are noticing that more and more people are turning their glasses and contacts in for LASIK eye surgery. Thousands of people who have had LASIK surgery report experiencing 20/20 vision.
If you are getting to that age where you are starting to worry about the loss of your sight due to the development of cataracts or other eye diseases, it would be a great idea for you to receive a consultation from a trained Cataract Surgeon who knows exactly what procedure would be best for your particular case of cataracts.
Although the cause is unknown, there are several ways cataracts can develop. The most important thing is to remember to get your eyes checked regularly and always take note of any changes in the vision you may be experiencing.
Almost all of the procedures involving the removal of cataracts are virtually pain-free. If you are worried about the risks involved with any of these procedures you should certainly contact a doctor who is a specialist in Cataract Surgery.
There are a few signs to look out for with cataract development. The most common symptom is the worsening or blurring of vision. Other symptoms include fading and dimming of colors, decreased visibility at night, an increase in sensitivity to the sunshine or bright lights.
Many ophthalmologists notice an increase in the number of visits a patient will have due to changes in the prescription of glasses or contacts as vision worsens. It is very important to visit a Cataract surgeon if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
The formation of a different kind of cataract tends to turn the lens yellow or brown. It is important to remember that the development of age-related cataracts has no identifiable cause, however, there is a cure.
If you are experiencing a change in your ability to distinguish between colors it may be best to consult with a Cataract surgeon to see what options are available to you.
What Does Cataract Eye Surgery entail?
More than a million cataract surgeries are performed each year on an outpatient basis. During cataract eye surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a plastic one. One method is called Phacoemulsification which involves using ultrasound to break up the cataract.
Cataracts Operation
A small incision is made in the eye and suction is used to remove the cataract. After the cataract is successfully removed, an intraocular lens is implanted. This lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and you can’t see it or feel it.
Another method of removing the clouded lens involves Extracapsular surgery. A longer incision is made on the side of the cornea and the core of the cloudy lens is removed in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction. Discuss the benefits and risks of each with your doctor.
Cataracts Types Of Lenses
Unlike Lasik eye surgery, most cataract eye surgery patients will still need to wear prescription glasses. Cataract eye surgery enjoys an impressive 98 percent success rate and as it is considered a necessary, rather than cosmetic surgery, insurance usually covers the cost. There are two types of lenses used in cataract surgery: Monofocal and Multifocal.
Monofocal – Cataracts With Astigmatism
With the monofocal lens implant, you’ll experience normal vision at one distance, usually far distance, and may need glasses for near vision. If you have astigmatism, which is very common, the mono-focal lens is the one you’ll need.
Multifocal
With a multifocal intraocular lens implant, you’ll experience normal vision at all distances, which may eliminate the need for prescription glasses. One drawback to the multifocal lens is that you most likely will see circles or “halos” around lights at night which could interfere with your night vision.
Unlike Lasik eye surgery, cataract eye surgery is reversible in that the intraocular lens can be replaced. For example, if you choose to have the multifocal lens implanted and you find the halos around lights disturbing you may opt for the mono-focal lens.
If you’re having cataract surgery in both eyes, however, you would need to have the same kind of lens implanted in each eye.
Cataracts Recovery Time
Complete healing may take several weeks but you can go about your normal routine fairly quickly. As with other eye surgeries, after having cataract eye surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions completely, and report any unusual side effects or severe pain.
Your eye will naturally itch and you’ll notice dryness while the eye is healing. Be sure and use the eye drops the doctor gives you. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor to ask questions or to report any bothersome symptoms.
Cataracts Recovery After Surgery
When you come out of cataract surgery things will be completely different. Give yourself and your body time to not only recover from the surgery but also get used to the new vision that you will be able to experience.
On the day of cataract surgery, you will be taking a huge step in improving your vision. While it takes time for your body and brain to get used to the changes, the results will be well worth it. In the meantime, let someone that you trust take care of you as you begin to heal and adjust.
Because you were under anesthesia and you are going to be without sight temporarily you must have someone drive you home and take care of you. Most patients have a groggy feeling and many go home and go right back to bed in order to rest and recover.
At this time your caregiver can go to the store and make sure that all of your prescriptions are filled. Patients usually take an antibiotic and receive drops that will protect and take care of the eye after the cataract surgery.
Because you can’t drive you shouldn’t make any plans to go or be anywhere. You want to just be able to relax.
Try as hard as you can to avoid touching the eye area. It will be protected and covered completely but you may feel the temptation to sneak around the bandages and just poke, scratch, or feel a little. Don’t! Over time the feelings will dissipate and you will get back to normal.
You want to wear protective coverings or eyewear when you go to bed at night. You don’t want to unintentionally hit the area and cause a complication. You also want to try to sleep over on the other side as well.
Be sure to read the directions on the eye drops that you are given and put them in as directed. You don’t want to miss any of the doses. Do your best to get a restful sleep as your body is working to get itself back to normal during this time.
Most patients of cataract surgery will meet with their surgeon the next day for a follow-up appointment. This is to check and make sure that everything is going as planned. Your doctor will let you know if you can get back to normal at this time.
For most people, this means that you will have to avoid things like eye makeup until your doctor releases you and you will probably need to make sure and have sunglasses on any time you plan to be out in the sun. You will also have another appointment about a month later just to continue to check on your progress.
It will still take time for your vision to get back to normal. During this time do the best you can to maintain a normal schedule and routine. In about six months most patients find their vision completely back and better than before. If it isn’t, you can make another appointment to follow up about the cataract surgery.
How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery
You have had your consultation with an ophthalmologist and you have set the dates for the cataract surgery, but what do you need to do next? Here are 6 simple tips on how to prepare for cataract surgery
Glasses
If you are having both eyes treated it is likely both eyes with be done on separate days, roughly 1 week apart. This means once the first eye is treated, you will have a good eye and a bad eye, so you may struggle with your vision in this time.
The best thing to do if you do find this difficult is to ask your optician to remove the lens in your glasses for the eye that has been treated, they can leave it empty or they may be able to put in a prescription-free lens.
You can also wear a contact lens in the untreated eye to help, but remember depending on the type of contact lenses you wear, these must be left out for a certain time before surgery, this can vary from 24 hours to 2-3 weeks, so it may be best to arrange for some glasses to have on standby.
Cleaning Your Eyes
You won’t be able to get water in your eyes for about 2 weeks following the surgeries, this is to avoid getting an infection. You may find your eyes get sticky from the prescribed drops you will be using after surgery, so you might want to clean your eyes. It is a good idea to buy what you need to do this before you have the surgery.
You will need a clean bowl, cooled boiled water, and some gauze. Boil the water and pour it into the clean bowl and let it cool. Once cooled you can soak the gauze in the water, ring it out and very gently wipe over the eyes and eyelashes, being very careful not to push on the eyes or drag the skin.
Eating
Most patients will be awake during cataract surgery and will have a local anesthetic to numb the eye, therefore it is advised to eat a good meal and keep well hydrated before you come to the clinic/hospital for surgery.
If you are going to be put to sleep using a general anesthetic or be sedated, then you will not be able to eat or drink before surgery, this can vary from 6-12 hours beforehand. Your eye clinic should advise you on eating prior to surgery, but also ask them to confirm this if you are unsure or have not been advised.
Transport Home
After surgery, you will not be able to drive yourself home so you must arrange for someone to collect you, whether this is a family member or friend or a taxi. Ideally, it wouldn’t be recommended you take public transport as you may struggle to get around on this.
Also, you may not be able to drive for several days after the surgeries, so it is always best to have someone that can drive you around or it’s a good excuse to put your feet up and rest.
Sunglasses
So, it may not be a sunny day when you have surgery and it may even be nighttime when you leave the clinic/hospital, but we would recommend you bring a pair of sunglasses.
Even though it is likely that your eye that has been treated on will be covered, either by gauze or a plastic shield, you may find lights brighter than normal, such as the sun, car lights, and street lights.
Also, the sunglasses act as another shield to protect your eyes from dust, wind, or any other debris that could get in your eyes which could potentially cause an infection.
Time Off Work
If you work, you will need to prepare to take some time off after the surgeries. This can depend on the type of job you do but can vary from 2 days to 1 week after each eye has been treated.
When you return to work, you may need to take extra caution depending on your environment, for example, if you work in a dusty atmosphere you will need to wear protective goggles for several weeks to protect your eyes.
Speak to your ophthalmologist about the type of work you do and they will give the best advice on returning to work.
All of the above is only a guide and your eye doctor may give different advice to you as every patient and surgery are different and recommendations will be tailored to suit your surgery, lifestyle, and needs.
Remember if you have any questions about preparing for surgery, contact your eye clinic/hospital before the day of the surgery.
Cataracts Home Remedies
A cataract is a disease in which the area of the lens in the eye of the person turns opaque or whitish. There are many effective home remedies for cataracts that can be tried at home and can be beneficial in treating cataracts.
A cataract is a common eye disease in which the area of the lens in the eye of a person turns opaque or whitish. It causes the inability to focus and blurred vision. With the passage of time cataract becomes thicker and finally can cause blindness.
A cataract is mainly caused due to three factors such as; disintegration of lens fibers, deterioration in the nutrition of the lens, and deposits of acids and salts between the lens fiber. Some other causes for cataracts can be diabetes, aging, down-syndrome, eye injury, and many more.
Cataracts Natural Remedies
There are several cataract natural remedies that can prove to be effective when tried at home in a proper manner. Some of the popular home remedies for cataracts are:
* One of the most effective remedies for cataracts is to consume garlic (two to three cloves) every day. All you need to do is chew raw garlic cloves slowly. Garlic is very helpful in cleansing the lens of your eye. Those having acidity problems should be careful while taking garlic.
* Carrot is considered to be one of the best remedies for cataracts. Daily eat lots of raw carrots. Those who do not like to eat raw carrots can drink fresh carrot juice twice a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
* Another effective home remedy is to apply pumpkin flower juice on the eyelids twice daily.
* Try to consume cauliflower, fenugreek, a few nuts, dates, figs, spinach, turnips, soaked raisins, and drumsticks. They are very good for cataracts.
* Eating raw salad dressed with lemon juice or olive oil is also equally beneficial.
* Consuming grapes and oranges on regular basis is also very effective.
* You can even try putting honey drops into the eyes which can also be very helpful in treating cataracts.
* Another efficient home remedy is to take an Epsom salts bath. All you need to do is soak yourself in a bathtub with hot water containing Epsom salts. Stay in the bath for 25 to 35 minutes until you perspire freely. Cool off immediately after the bath. Remember to keep your eyes closed while taking bath.
* Try to avoid white bread, cream, puddings, sugar, boiled potatoes, rice, pies, sauces, pickles, condiments, tea, coffee, refined cereals, and puddings.
* Avoid alcohol consumption.
* Aniseed is one of the efficient home remedies for cataracts. Mix equal quantities of coriander powder and aniseed with brown sugar (one teaspoon). Take 12 grams of this mixture every morning and evening.
* Take seven kernels of almond and half a gram of pepper and grind them together. Now put this mixture into a half cup of water and also add a teaspoon of sugar candy. Drink this mixture. It can be very beneficial for your eyes.
* Consume a diet rich in vitamin B2, vitamin B6, entire B complex group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and pantothenic acid.
* Grind two pieces of cardamom and mix them in a glass of milk. Now boil it and consume it once it is lukewarm. Drink this milk every night.
Herbal Medicines for Cataracts
The lens, one of the eye’s primary focusing mechanisms, is located just behind the pupil. A normal lens is transparent, allowing light into the eye.
Cataracts, however, render a lens cloudy, making it difficult for the necessary light to enter. Although cataracts typically start in only one eye, both eyes usually become affected with time, causing either largely diminished sight or total blindness.
Cataracts usually develop gradually and many people don’t realize that they have the condition until they struggle to pass a vision test. Cataracts are one of the world’s most common vision problems. In fact, approximately 16 million people worldwide are blind because of cataracts.
Cataracts Causes In Adults
Age plays a significant role in the formation of cataracts, many people develop some clouding of the lens after age 60. Yet age isn’t the only cause. Diabetes mellitus, family predisposition, long-term use of corticosteroid drugs, and overexposure to ultraviolet rays can all lead to cataracts.
An eye injury can also cause cataract formation later in life. In rare instances, infants are born with cataracts or develop the condition shortly after birth.
Signs and Symptoms
Blurry or distorted vision in one or both eyes, which sometimes worsens in bright light. The appearance of “halos” of light around bright lights or lighted objects Impair night vision.
An ophthalmologist tests for cataracts with a complete eye examination, a slit-lamp examination, and perhaps, ultrasonography to further evaluate the opacity of the lens. If the diagnosis is cataracts, glasses and contact lenses may be able to offer temporary help.
If your lack of vision begins to interfere with everyday activities, your physician may recommend cataract surgery.
Under general or local anesthesia, the clouded lens is removed from the eye and, in most cases, replaced with an artificial one. The surgery, done on an outpatient basis, typically takes one hour. More than 98 percent of all cataract operations result in improved vision.
An important factor in cataract prevention is drinking water. Drink lots of filtered water; avoid fluoridated and chlorinated water. Eliminate dairy products and saturated fats, which promote the formation of free radicals and can damage the lens.
Use only cold-pressed oils. Medical journals report an association between cigarettes and cataracts, probably because smoking generates free radicals.
Nutritionists recommend the following daily supplements:
Copper (3 mg) – important for proper healing and, along with manganese, retards the growth of cataracts
Manganese (10 mg taken separately from calcium)
Glutathione (as directed on the label) – helps maintain a healthy lens; slows the progression of cataracts
Vitamin A (25,000 to 50,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU if you are pregnant) – vital for normal vision
Mixed carotenoid formula (as directed on label) – a precursor of vitamin A vitamin B1 (thiamine) (50 mg)-important for intracellular eye metabolism
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 mg 4 times daily) – a free radical destroyer
Vitamin E (400 IU) – helps arrest and reverse cataract formation
Zinc (30 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements) – protects against light-induced damage
Also Recommended Selenium (400 mcg) – destroys free radicals
Riboflavin (50 mg) – a deficiency has been linked to cataracts(Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment)
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture In treating cataracts, the acupuncturist usually pinpoints Bladder 1, Stomach 1, Large Intestine 4, and Triple Warmer 6, along with related auricular points and associated points, following a complete diagnosis.
Acupressure
Cataracts can be treated by firmly massaging the acupressure points around the eye socket and on the cheeks, forehead, and temple.
Chinese Herbal Therapy
The herbal formula Dendrobium Moniliforme Night Sight Pills also may be prescribed for cataracts. Also because traditional Chinese medicine attributes most eye disorders to liver dysfunction, an herbalist may also prescribe tonics to strengthen this organ and improve the flow of chi within the liver meridian.
Where can I get more information?
View Eye Health Organizations-Cataract
More cataracts information from the web
Cataract condition – causes & treatment – Fred Hollows
www.hollows.org
Facts about cataract – National Eye Institute
https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts
Cataracts
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cataracts
Facts about cataracts
https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts
https://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cataracts
Smoking and eyes disease
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/smoking-and-eye-disease
Iritis can cause vision problems if it is not treated
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eyes-uveitis-and-iritis
Eye health organizations – cataract
https://nei.nih.gov/health/eye-health-organization-database?tid=2&tid_1=All
Visual impairment and blindness fact sheet
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/
Cataract and surgery for cataract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1502210
Pediatric cataract surgery techniques, complications, and management
https://books.google.ca/books?id=gLJZDD2igCMC&pg=PA20
Blindness due to cataract: epidemiology and prevention
https://web.archive.org/web/20080406080408/http://www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/pdf/NEHEP_5_year_agenda_2006.pdf
The incidence of retinal detachment after cataract surgery
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447164
The open ophthalmology journal
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447164
Why laser treatment is sometimes needed following cataract surgery
http://www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth/eyeconditions/conditionsac/Pages/cataract_lasersurgery.aspx
Pictures of different types of cataracts
http://dro.hs.columbia.edu/lc1.htm
Video: history and science of seeing cataracts in your own eye