CATARACTS
Oxidative Stress and Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity (clouding) of the crystalline lens in the eye or in its envelope that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Cataracts are most commonly caused by aging, but may be related to family history, eye injury, eye surgery or some medications and long-term exposure to sunlight. Opacity of the lens is a direct result of oxidative stress. Overexpression of SOD1 in fresh, intact lenses from 6-week-old rats prevented H2O2-induced oxidative damage (cataract formation) to the lens.
About Cataracts
- Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.
- Affects more than 20.5 millions Americans age 40 and older – about one in six people.
- 400,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2007.
Risk Factors
- Your risk of getting cataracts increases as you get older.
- Some studies suggest that diabetes, alcohol use and steroids may put you at risk.
- Research shows that extended exposure to ultraviolet rays may increase your risk.
- Eating a lot of salt may increase your risk.
- Cigarette smoke
- Air pollution
Risk Reducers
- Regular use of an antioxidant therapy.
- If you are over 60, you should have an eye examination at least once every two years.
- Do not smoke.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun and avoid sunlamps and tanning booths.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Avoid use of steroid medications when possible.
- Keep diabetes under control.
About Protandim®
Protandim is a powerful, patented daily supplement that dramatically boosts your body's own natural defenses against free radical damage, a leading cause of oxidative stress.
At this time, there is no evidence that Protandim can treat, cure, or prevent cataracts, but we do know its positive impact on oxidative stress. Because of the known link between cataracts and oxidative stress, you may want to begin by lowering your oxidative stress, which Protandim is proven to do.
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