Health Care Natural Vitamin C provides protection against cataracts

Nutrition with high levels of vitamin C can protect us from clouding the eye lens
As people get older, the likelihood of clouding the eye lens (cataract) increases. To protect against such a disease, it seems to be enough to eat foods high in vitamin C content. By taking the cataract progression is reduced by up to 33 percent, according to a recent study.

Turbidity of the eye lens is extremely unpleasant and greatly affects our quality of life. If the disease has progressed, you can see a gray haze behind the pupil. This so-called cataract must then be removed surgically and the lens is usually replaced by an artificial lens implant. Researchers at King's College London have now found in an investigation that vitamin C can help reduce the likelihood of cataract formation. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Ophthalmology".

Increased intake of vitamin C reduces the likelihood of cataract formation (cataracts). (Image:
2707195204 / fotolia.com)

Vitamin C can have a significant effect on the development of cataracts
The liquid inside the eye helps us humans to prevent the oxidation and contains a high vitamin C level. With a diet rich in vitamin C, the amount in the liquid increases and thus our eye lens is better protected, the experts explain. The results of their study could have significant implications, especially for the aging population worldwide. A simple change in diet, such as increased intake of fruits and vegetables, could help protect against cataract, explains lead author Professor Chris Hammond of King's College London. Although we can not avoid becoming older and older and diabetes and smoking increase the risk of cataracts. But a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle help reduce the risk of cataract surgery, the professor adds.

Vitamin C supplements are not that effective
The study examined a total of 324 pairs of female twins who had cataracts within 10 years. The researchers questioned the subjects about their dietary intake of vitamins. In addition, they observed the lenses of the eyes of their participants, say the scientists. The physicians were able to determine that a higher intake of vitamin C led to a reduction of cataract progression by up to 33 percent. The subjects who ate more foods high in vitamin C had clearer lenses. However, the scientists point out that the intake of vitamin C supplements is not really effective. The benefits of increased vitamin C intake have not been seen in patients taking vitamin tablets, the experts warn. A healthy diet is more expensive, but bring the benefits mentioned for our eyes. According to the researchers, environmental factors and nutrition have a greater influence on the development of cataracts than existing genetic factors. Genetic factors are responsible for only one-third of all lens opacities, the researchers explain.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide
Cataract disease affects about 20 million people worldwide. Turbidity of the lens is the most common cause of blindness. The lens is clouded by so-called oxidation and wearing glasses or contact lenses does not solve the problem in most cases. Therefore, surgery is usually necessary to replace the opacified lens with an artificial lens implant. (As)