Cataracts

A genetic glitch may be responsible for incidents of cataracts in children.

According to a press release from Maine’s Jackson Laboratory, researchers have found that RNA granules, which are key components in the reproduction of genes, might be linked to eye development.  Problems with RNA granules can result in juvenile cataracts and glaucoma.  If there is a problem with a key gene, Tdrd7, the development of the lens of the eye will be compromised, leading to these potentially blinding conditions.
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Many years after the release of radiation disaster at Chernobyl, Russia, cataract have appeared  as one of the health issues changing the lives of those people who were exposed to radiation when the reactor exploded.  This has been reported by  the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, UNSCEAR.

Researchers publishing in the journal Radiation looked at the eyes of 8,607 Chernobyl clean-up workers 12 and 14 years after they were exposed.  Only 3.9% had nuclear cataracts, but 25% had posterior subcapsular or cortical cataracts from radiation exposure. Finding the prevalence of this other type of cataract leads scientists to believe that the exposure limits set for clean up workers by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) were in fact too high.  An article at EyeWorld.com states, “Thus,  conventional wisdom regarding acceptable doses of radiation to the eye for space activities are actually not acceptable, according to this study.”
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Free radicals might be a good thing?

At Natural Eye Care, we extol the benefits of antioxidants because they fight the free radicals that lead to oxidation, which in turn cause aging: skin changes such as the appearance wrinkles, and ocular changes, including the development of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Your eyes love antioxidants like those found in bilberry (a close relative to the blueberry) and in high quality supplements.

And yet, a new study published in The Journal of Physiology (online 28 February 2011) describes how free radicals are actually essential to the healthy functioning of the heart.
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A new study further supports the benefits of eating eggs.

Michigan State University researchers sought to determine how eggs might be part of a healthy diet and also determine the impact egg consumption may have on cholesterol.  Egg eaters showed higher levels of such vital nutrients as vitamins B12, A, E, and C.  The study does remind us to enjoy eggs in moderation – four eggs per week is optimal.  Eating more than four eggs per week can lead to increased cholesterol.

Source: maculardegenerationassociation.org

Eating eggs can also help prevent a number of eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
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A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of stroke by up to 80%.

Research published in the journal Stroke encourages people to exercise regularly, drink alcohol only in moderation, eat plenty of fruits and veggies, control weight, and not smoke in order to avoid stroke.

These guidelines are the same that we recommend when it comes to avoiding vision conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
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