Do you have cataracts?

You may be deficient in CHROMIUM or have excess FREE RADICALS

A cataract is a cloudiness in the lens of the eye caused by damage to the protein of the lens. This damage impairs vision.

Cataracts are more likely to occur in those who smoke, have diabetes, or are exposed to excessive sunlight. All of these factors lead to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage to the lens of the eye appears to cause cataracts in animals and people.

People with low vitamin C levels have 11 times the normal risk of cataracts. A recent study investigated the relationship of supplements and cataract formation. The study involved 350 men and women who were given supplements of both vitamin E and C. Results showed that the consumption of these supplementary vitamins reduced the risk of senile cataracts by about 50%

Although it may sound obvious, age is the biggest risk factor in age-related eye disease. As we get older the changes in our body processes also affect our eyes.

Oxygen is essential for the human body, but it can also be harmful. Oxygen can produce “free-radicals” which damage cells or prevent them from regenerating as they used to. This cell regeneration process is affected as we get older due to free radicals and other factors.

Our bodies do have a natural protection against the effect of free radicals, but under certain conditions this protection is not good enough.

Free radicals damage the retina, a light sensitive layer at the back of the eye. They also effect the lens, a clear tissue found behind the coloured part of the eye known as the iris. The lens helps to focus light onto the retina which then sends an image of what we are looking at to our brain. This is how we see. Mostly, these free radicals are neutralised by the body’s defences. Most vitamins and minerals can help the body and our eyes to combat the effects of free radicals. 

A recent study showed that substances found in leafy green vegetables helped to protect eye cells from damage by ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is thought to be a cause of cataracts. This study found that two antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin E, protected the eyes from UV light.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in green vegetables such as kale (a variety of cabbage), spinach and collard greens (the leaves of kale).

Find out more about Chromium and Free Radicals

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