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Question:  What are Cataracts and is there anything that can be done to prevent them?
Answer:  Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye.  This mostly occurs in people in their 60s and older.  For many years people did nothing but wait for them to deteriorate to the point where surgery was needed.  Today we know of several things that can help retard the growth of cataracts and possibly prevent them in some cases. For years I have recommended antioxidants for my patients with early cataract signs, with good  results.  I used to give my patients a list of antioxidants such as vitamin "C", vitamin "E",  vitamin "A", and minerals such as copper, selenium and zinc and send them off to the health food store.  Today many manufacturers are prepackaging these ingredients and newly found ones in a single pill. The best are still available in health food stores. Omega 3 oils are also very helpful.  In addition to antioxidants, taken daily, I recommend the use of sun glasses that filter 100% of the U.V. (ultraviolet light) and even daily wear prescriptions with U.V. filters for those who work on computers and under fluorescent lights. A natural diet and aerobic exercise can be very  helpful too.

Please understand that cataracts are a SYMPTOM of the bodies failure to maintain the lens in your eye.  It is not a disease like a sore throat you may catch from a coworker at your job. As such, the true prevention requires an evaluation of diet, lifestyle and supplements.