Natural Remedies for Cataracts: What Seniors Should Know

Prevent Blindness reports that by age 80, around 50% of people will develop cataracts.

While surgery remains the main treatment, many seniors seek natural remedies for cataracts. Vision problems can make daily living difficult. As a senior, you may need help with reading, moving around safely, or enjoying your favorite hobbies.

You can receive this assistance from friendly caregivers at Bellara. We're located in Hayward, CA, and we offer a vibrant lifestyle with personalized care, fun daily activities, and meals made just for you.

Bellara gives you freedom, connection, and support when you need it. Continue reading to learn more about cataracts and natural remedies that may help.

Understand What Causes Cataracts

Before delving into natural remedies for cataracts, you need to understand what causes them. Cataracts happen when the clear lens in your eye becomes cloudy. The cloudiness forms as proteins in the lens clump together, making it harder to see clearly.

Cataracts may be caused by:

• Aging
• Smoking
• Sun exposure
• Diabetes
• Poor diet
• Eye injuries
• Family history of cataracts

Early signs include blurry vision, seeing halos, and needing more light to read. These changes in aging vision can make daily tasks more challenging.

Moving to an assisted or independent living community like Bellara can help. You'll get support, safety, and comfort when you need it most.

Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

High blood sugar damages the small vessels in your eyes. People with diabetes often experience faster cataract development. Even minor blood sugar spikes can cause damage to the lens over time.

Here's how to manage it:

• Eat fewer refined sugars
• Choose whole grains and fiber-rich foods
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor your levels if you have diabetes

Talk to your doctor if you're unsure about your blood sugar. Even without diabetes, it's wise to keep it under control. A healthy lifestyle protects your vision and prevents other serious problems.

Add More Antioxidants to Your Diet

A diet high in antioxidants may help delay the progression of cataracts. Vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin are especially helpful. These protect the lens of the eye from possible harm caused by free radicals.

Good sources of these nutrients include:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Carrots and sweet potatoes
• Oranges and other citrus fruits
• Nuts and seeds
• Eggs

Aim to eat a mix of colorful fruits and vegetables each day. These foods promote eye health and help combat harmful changes. To maintain a healthy diet, plan balanced meals in advance and keep healthy snacks nearby.

Limit processed foods by shopping the outer aisles of the grocery store where fresh items are found. Joining a senior living community like Bellara can also support better eating habits through chef-prepared meals that support senior eye health. With regular, nutritious meals and fewer temptations, you can protect your vision and stay energized.

Try Herbal Supplements

Some seniors explore herbal options to support their vision. They take:

• Bilberry
• Ginkgo biloba
• Green tea extract
• Turmeric
• Eyebright

These herbs are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Bilberry may improve circulation in the eyes, while ginkgo biloba may help protect eye tissues from damage. Green tea extract contains compounds that reduce oxidative stress.

Turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, and eyebright is often used in traditional eye care.

Before starting any supplement, consult your doctor, as some herbs may interact with medications or cause side effects. When combined with other wellness tips, herbal options can play a helpful role in protecting vision.

Protect Your Eyes From UV Light

Too much sunlight can harm your eyes over time. UV rays speed up the breakdown of proteins in the lens, which may lead to cataracts. Protecting your eyes from the sun is a simple and effective way to reduce your risk.

To protect your eyes:

• Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
• Choose wraparound frames for better coverage
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
• Stay in the shade during peak sunlight hours
• Use UV-protective lenses if you wear glasses
• Avoid tanning beds and direct sun exposure when possible

Daily sun protection plays a key role in cataract awareness and helps protect your vision as you age. It also reduces eye strain and lowers the risk of other sun-related conditions like macular degeneration. By staying consistent with these habits, you give your eyes the care they need to stay strong.

Practice Eye Exercises and Relaxation

Your eyes, like the rest of your body, need rest and movement. Overusing digital screens or reading in dim light can strain them. Eye exercises may help reduce tension and keep your focus sharp.

Try these simple routines:

• Blink slowly for 10 seconds
• Shift focus between near and far objects
• Rub your palms and cover your eyes gently to relax them
• Roll your eyes in slow circles to ease tension
• Gently massage the area around your eyes
• Close your eyes and take deep breaths for one minute

These practices may not reverse cataracts, but they can alleviate eye fatigue and protect the vision you still have. They're a simple part of daily care supported by many Hayward aging support programs.

Don't Skip Eye Exams

Even with the use of natural remedies, regular eye examinations are vital. Your doctor can detect cataracts early and monitor their progression. Early detection makes treatment easier and more effective.

Inform your healthcare provider about any changes in your vision. Common signs include glare, cloudiness, or trouble with colors. Don't wait for things to get worse.

Your physician may also recommend eye drops or other medical alternatives. These work best when paired with healthy habits at home or in an assisted living community.

Natural Remedies for Cataracts: Simple Ways to Protect Your Vision

Natural remedies for cataracts can support your eye health as you age. Eating antioxidant-rich foods, exercising, managing sun exposure, and practicing eye exercises may slow symptoms and enhance comfort. These lifestyle changes, paired with regular checkups, help you care for your vision every day.

At Bellara, we offer personalized support in a warm, vibrant setting. Our team provides daily care, wellness programs, chef-prepared meals, fitness options, and engaging activities -- so you can live with confidence.

We're located at 22400 Second St., Hayward, CA 94541, and licensed under #019201373. Schedule a tour of our community to learn more.