Kerstin A. Czarra

Medical Writer

Seeing green? Well, you should be. Researchers at Harvard University say that this color in your foods could reduce the risk of cataracts and keep you seeing clearly for a lifetime. New studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) show that lutein and zeaxanthin, also known as carotenoid antioxidants, may help reduce cataracts. These minerals are commonly found in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli.

More than half of people over age 65 have cataracts – a condition that causes the lens or capsule of the eye to become opaque – impairing vision and possibly causing blindness. And, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in people over age 50.

Older people often resign themselves to the fact that their eyes will not be as sharp as they age. But, the AJCN studies indicate that you may be able to prevent cataracts simply by adding more green to your diet. The study found that "women with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 22 percent reduced risk for cataracts; men had 19 percent reduced risk."

The American Optometric Association (AOA) confirms that no one really knows what causes cataracts, but they do state that, "a chemical change occurs within the eye to cause the lens to become cloudy. This may be due to advancing age, heredity, or an injury or disease."

Smoking, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight and certain medications may also cause cataracts. Until this recent research, experts claimed that there was no way to prevent a cataract from forming. When someone does have cataracts, surgery is the only way to have them treated. The procedure involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

Popeye was definitely on to something when he guzzled "me spinach." So, just what do dark, leafy vegetables contain and what makes them so effective? Carotenoid antioxidants found in these vegetables are substances that protect against cell damage by guarding the cell from oxygen free radicals – substances that can break down strong cells and lead to cancer, heart disease and degenerative disorders like cataracts. Carotene is then converted in the body to Vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health. For patients that don’t receive enough lutein in their diets, a supplement containing 6 mg. is recommended.

Aside from eating your greens, monitoring your vision is crucial. If caught early, doctors can prescribe changes in eyeglasses or contacts to maintain good eyesight. The AOA lists the following as warning signs for a cataract:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Spots in front of eyes
• Sensitivity to light or feeling of a film over eyes
• Double vision
• Changes in how you see colors
• Problems driving at night
• Constant changes in eyeglass prescription

If you’re lucky and haven’t experienced these symptoms, it’s not too late to keep your eyes sharp through your 50s, 60s and beyond. So, next time you sit down to dinner, take seconds or thirds of broccoli at the dinner table and your eyes will thank you.

If you have any questions about your health or your family’s health, visit our Medical Library or click on Ask-the-Doc for a one-on-one, live chat with a board-certified or board-eligible physician. We’re here 24 hours a day with free, confidential answers to your health questions.

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