In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens and received by the retina. The lens should be clear to receive a sharp image. But if the lens is cloudy then the image received by the retina will be blurry or distorted and the vision will also be blurry. The visual extent depends upon the degree of cloudiness of the lens.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a dense and cloudy area that forms in the eye lens. A cataract begins when there is a formation of clumps of proteins that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The retina converts the light that comes through the lens into signals. These signals are sent to the optic nerve which carries them to the brain.
It is the most common cause of vision loss in people who are above the age of 40 and it also leads to blindness. It develops with age in older people and interferes with the vision. It may occur in both eyes but not at the same time. This clouded vision makes them more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the face expression, etc.
Types of Cataracts include:
A subcapsular cataract: It usually occurs at the back of the lens in those people who are suffering from diabetes or those taking high doses of steroid medications. These are at higher risk of developing this type of cataract.
A nuclear cataract: This type of cataract forms deep in the nucleus of the lens and is commonly associated with aging.
A cortical cataract: It is characterized by white and wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens. It occurs in the cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the nucleus.
What Causes Cataracts?
Most cataracts develop with the age or an injury that changes the tissue which makes up your eye’s lens. Various genetic disorders that cause several health problems can increase the risk of having cataracts. It can also be caused by any eye-related conditions like past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes.
There are several other causes of cataracts include:
Overproduction of oxidants or any oxidative change that are chemically altered due to normal daily life
- Smoking
- Ultraviolet radiations
- Prolonged use of steroids and other medications
- Any trauma or injury in the eye
- Radiation therapy
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Statin medications used to reduce cholesterol
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High myopia
What are the Symptoms of Cataract?
Firstly, there is the cloudiness in vision which is caused by cataract. Initially, it may affect only a small part of the eye lens and the person is unaware of any vision loss. As the condition increases it clouds more part of the lens and distorts the light passing through it which may lead to the noticeable symptoms.
Other common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurring of vision
- Seeing colors as faded
- Increased difficulty in seeing at night
- Increased sensitivity to glare and light
- Double vision in the affected eye
- Halos surrounding lights
- A need for frequent changes in prescription glasses
- Need bright light for reading and other activities
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens
- Fading or yellowing of colors
What are the Risk Factors for Cataract?
Various factors that increase the risk of cataracts include:
- Increasing age
- Obesity
- Diabetes mellitus and High blood pressure
- Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Previous eye injury or inflammation
- Previous eye surgery
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
What is the Ayurvedic Treatment for Cataract?
Chandigarh Ayurved Centre is providing a wonderful and effective kit for curing cataract which is “Cataract Go Kit”. This Kit possesses various effective properties that not only work on the symptoms but also on the root cause of the disease. The herbs and herbal ingredients that are used in the formation of this kit have been used in Ayurveda for many ages for the treatment of various eye-related disorders and cure them naturally. This kit comprises of 6 formulations named as Mahatriphala ghrita, Nerve up tablet, Nerve Plus tablet, Detox Standard Powder, Trikatu Tablet, and Panchasakar Churna. These formulations work on the main cause of cataract.
1. Mahatriphala ghrita:
Mahatriphala ghrita is herbal Ayurvedic formulation that contains Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa), vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Bhringraj swarasa (Eclipta alba), etc. These herbs show anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuro-protective properties. It is helpful in treating cataract, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, myopia, dry eyes, etc.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water.
2. Nerve up tablet:
Nerve up tablets is pure Ayurvedic formulation that balances the Vata and kapha dosha. Being a nerve stimulant, it shows effective results in improving the central nervous system. The natural ingredients present in it are shankh bhasma, shudha shilajeet, abhrak bhasma, praval pishti, shudha kuchala, etc. It cures chronic backache, knee pain, headache, depression and eye pain etc.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily with plain water.
3. Nerve Plus tablet:
Nerve plus tablets show anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Analgesic, and immune-modulator properties. It comprises of various effective ingredients like Kali mirch (Piper nigrum), Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis), shudha kuchala, shudha shilajeet, Giloy satav (Tinospora cardifolia), shudha vatsnabh, etc. Being an effective nerve stimulator it treats migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with plain water.
4. Detox Standard Powder:
Detox standard powder contains a combination of pure herbs which has been used in Ayurveda for many ages for the treatment of cataract. It comprises of Tal sindoor, Giloy satav, Shwet parpati, Parwal pishti, Sutshekhar ras, Shankh bhasam, Shankh bhasam, Akik pishti, Jahar mohra, Moti pishti, etc. It is used for the treatment of eye related disorders such as cloudy vision, blurring vision, fuzzy spots, etc.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice a day with normal water.
5. Trikatu Tablet:
Trikatu Tablet eliminates excess Kapha dosha and impurities from the body and supports healthy detoxification. It possesses anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antioxidant properties. It is made up of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) that has wonderful medicinal properties. It deals with all signs & symptoms related to cataract and provides long lasting results.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.
6. Panchasakar Churna:
As the name suggests, panchsakar Churna consists of five ingredients named as- Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), Shunt (Zingiber officinale), Balaharitaki (Unripe fruits of Terminalia chebula) Swarnapatri (Cassia angustifolia), and Saindhav Lavana (Rock salt). It is a natural detoxifier that removes the toxins from the body. Being an inflammatory, it can reduce the swelling. It shows wonderful results in improving vision.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 teaspoonful with Luke warm water at bedtime.
Some preventive measures to be taken:
- Have regular eye check-ups
- Quit smoking
- Manage your other health-related problems such as diabetes
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits as well as vegetables that contains many vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants
- Wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors that will prevent you from UV rays
- Reduce alcohol consumption
