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Overview for Dietary and Lifestyle or Treatment info
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Cataracts are a partial or
complete opacity on or in the lens capsule of the eye, often interfering
with vision or causing blindness. Cataracts usually occur in older age,
but can affect people at any time. They develop when there is a degradation
of lens proteins, making them opaque. Cataracts are the most common
cause of blindness in the world today.
Free radicals (highly reactive molecules) interrupt the function of
enzymes that usually eliminate damaged proteins from the lens. As well
as the enzymatic defence system, the lens also contains the anti-oxidants
vitamins C and E. Research shows that vitamins E and C may have a protective
effect against light-induced cataracts or slow down the process of degradation.
Diabetics, those with a family history of cataracts or those on long-term
steroid treatment are more susceptible to this condition.
Overview | Orthodox
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