Cataract: Most Effective Supplements

A cataract is a common eye condition characterized by the progressive clouding of the lens, a biconvex structure situated inside the eye, allowing images to focus on the retina. This disorder leads to gradual loss of lens transparency and, if untreated, can result in blindness. Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide.

Epidemiology

The prevalence of cataracts increases with age. About 10% of people aged 50 to 59 exhibit signs of lens opacification, a figure that rises to 81% among those over 80. In 2015, cataracts accounted for 51% of blindness cases globally, affecting approximately 12.6 million people. It is more common in women than men, with incidence exacerbated by factors such as UV exposure, smoking, and certain metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Pathophysiology

The lens is primarily made up of water and proteins, whose transparency is essential for its function. Cataracts occur when this balance is disrupted, causing protein accumulation and loss of transparency. Several mechanisms contribute to cataract formation: 2 Protein Oxidation: Oxidative stress is a key factor in cataract formation. The lens contains high levels of reduced glutathione, a powerful antioxidant molecule. When glutathione levels decrease, lens proteins oxidize, lose transparency, and become insoluble. 2 Electrolytic Imbalances: An osmotic imbalance within the lens, particularly an increase in calcium, can lead to changes in the cell membrane and lens structure. 2 Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE): These compounds, formed by the fixation of sugars to proteins, accelerate lens protein degradation, contributing to cataract onset, especially in diabetic patients.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing cataracts: 2 Age: It is the main factor, with a significant increase in cases after the age of 50. 2 UV Exposure: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to sunlight contributes to lens opacification. 2 Smoking and Alcohol: Both are associated with increased oxidative stress, accelerating lens aging. 2 Metabolic Diseases: Diabetes, due to high blood glucose levels, promotes lens protein glycation. 2 Corticosteroids: Prolonged use of these medications is also linked to a higher risk of cataracts.

Symptoms

Cataracts manifest through several symptoms, including: 2 Progressive decline in visual acuity: Vision becomes blurred or foggy, often described as seeing through a steamy window. 2 Photophobia: Increased sensitivity to light, especially outdoors or under bright lights. 2 Glare: Night vision is impaired, with halos around light sources. 2 Altered color perception: Colors seem duller, particularly blues which become harder to distinguish. 2 Monocular diplopia: Double vision can occur in the eye affected by the cataract.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cataracts is primarily based on clinical examinations, with visual acuity measurement being a central element. This evaluation quantifies vision loss and identifies the specific effects of cataracts on the patient's visual capacity. Another key test involves examining the lens after pupil dilation using eye drops. This allows the physician to observe the lens opacification, assess its location, and extent. Several cataract types are distinguished based on their location in the lens, such as nuclear, cortical, or posterior subcapsular cataracts. Each type has specific characteristics influencing how vision is affected. For instance, nuclear cataracts tend to cause blurred vision mainly at a distance, whereas cortical cataracts are often associated with glare, particularly in the presence of bright lights.

Treatment

The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgical. The standard procedure involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. This surgery, known as phacoemulsification, has become routine, performed under local anesthesia with a very high success rate. After surgery, visual recovery is generally rapid, and patients can resume normal activities within days. In some cases, vision correction with glasses or contact lenses remains necessary, but most patients regain excellent quality of life.

Prognosis and Prevention

The prognosis for cataracts post-surgery is generally excellent, with significant vision restoration for the majority of patients. Phacoemulsification offers quick and lasting results. Visual recovery begins within the first hours after surgery, and most patients regain functional vision within days. However, without treatment, cataracts progress slowly and can lead to total blindness, particularly in older adults. To prevent cataract formation, it is essential to minimize exposure to key risk factors. One of the most effective preventive measures is to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays by wearing UV-filtering sunglasses. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption are also important recommendations, as these habits increase oxidative stress, a factor in lens opacification. Nutritionally, a diet rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamins C and E, plays a protective role by limiting damage caused by free radicals in the lens. Finally, for those with diabetes, strict glycemic control is crucial, as poor management accelerates cataract development.