Cataracts are the leading cause of decreased vision in adults older than 65 and is the most common surgical procedure for elderly people. But you can get an "age-related" cataract when you're in your 40s or 50s, although most likely it will be small and not rob you of your vision. Only 15 percent of people are affected with cataracts by age 55, but this figure jumps to 50 percent by age 75, and 90 percent by age 85. It's important to note, however, that cataracts worsen over time, so it's never too late-or early-to try to prevent them and/or treat them!
What is a cataract?
A cataract is an opaque spot on the lens of the eye that you can't see through. The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil, and works like a camera lens. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, which allows you to see things clearly, up close, and far away. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. The haze can vary in size, density, and location, which means its effect on your vision, will also vary. At first, many people experience an overall reduction in their vision; they may need more light to read by, or may have difficulty reading street signs while driving. A cataract can also affect depth perception, which is particularly dangerous for the elderly who are more prone to falling.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts include
Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision. Changes in the way you see colours. Problems driving at night because headlights seem too bright. Problems with glare from lamps or the sun. Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. Double vision. Better near vision (temporarily in farsighted people only).
Note: These symptoms also can be signs of other eye problems.
What causes cataracts?
Free radicals-natural by products of metabolism-are highly reactive chemicals that cause oxidation, which in turn causes aging.
Physical injury to the vertebrae or neck, or any stress which reduces eye movement and increases muscle tension.
Toxins, pharmaceutical drugs, and smoking.
Diabetes (high levels of sugar in the blood contribute to cataract formation, so it's not surprising that diabetics are 3-4 times more likely to have cataracts).
The protein in the lens changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years, and hardens and loses its ability to focus.
What can help prevent and treat cataracts?
N-acetyl-carnosine eye drops (Ethos Bright Eyes EYE DROPS) have been proven a most effective treatment.
N-acetyl-L-carnosine eye drops have been shown to delay vision senescence in humans, being effective in 100% of cases of primary senile cataract and 80% of cases of mature senile cataract (Wang et al. 2000).
N-acetyl-L-carnosine eye drops are able to enter both the aqueous and lipid parts of the eye, and they have been shown to prevent and repair light-induced DNA strand breaks in the eye.
In Russia, N-acetyl-L-carnosine eye drops are approved in humans for the treatment of many eye diseases.
Ethos Bright Eyes is an advanced eye formula that contains 1% N-acetyl-L-carnosine in a soothing eye drop.
Ethos Bright Eyes is one of the most advanced topical eye formulas that offers protection to the lens of the eyes from free radicals because of its unique formulation of lubricants, an anti-glycating agent, and antioxidant that when topically applied can penetrate and protect the lipid tissues of the eye against light damage. Bright Eyes will help to diminish free radical damage and the harmful effects of glycosylation associated with degenerative eye disease.
