Statistics show that more than 20.5 million Americans are currently affected by cataracts. By the year 2020, it has been predicted that the number will skyrocket to 30.1 million.   In 2003, the costs associated with cataracts related health care, disability and surgery totaled $6 billion dollars worldwide annually.  As this number will only increase as the world's baby boomers hit the age of cataracts diagnosis, the implementation and subsequent education regarding preventative measures becomes ever more important.

So, what can be done to prevent the development of cataracts?

In 2000, an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show two Harvard performed studies which claim that when an individual's diet is high in lutein and zeaxanthin rich foods there is a 19 to 22 percent less chance of developing age-related cataracts than those who do not incorporate these foods into their diets in high quantities. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are phytochemicals, a naturally occurring group of biochemicals that are classified within the carotenoid class of molecules. Foods which are high in lutein and zeaxanthin include green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens and peppers. Winter squash and eggs have also been found to contain high levels of these important cataracts preventing molecules. In fact, one study which compared the bioavailability of lutein in eggs, spinach and lutein supplements found that the highest rate of lutein which entered the bloodstream came after the consumption of eggs.  Researchers at Ohio State University have found evidence that lutein and zeaxanthin actually function to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation, one of the risk factors associated with an increased chance of developing cataracts.

To learn what can be done after a cataract has formed, please watch the videos below and read the book - The Cataract Cure!