Cataracts are the most common cause of reduction in vision as we age. A cataract is simply a clouding of the crystalline lens in the eye. It is not really a film across the eye.

The lens in our eyes is only clear because of the extremely regular and ordered arrangement of the cells the make up the lens material. UV light and “free radicals” in our body disorganise these cells and hence the lens becomes cloudy.

Most of us will develop some cataracts as we age, often these do not reach the stage where they need to be removed.

Cataract removal is a quick and relatively simple procedure where the old lens is removed and a new artificial lens is implanted.

Research shows that a diet high in antioxidants (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E, helps to slow the development of cataracts.

Eating a lot of salt, cigarette smoke, air pollution, certain drugs, heavy alcohol consumption and UV light exposure may all increase the risk of developing cataracts.

So some simple dietary changes and using good UV blocking sunglasses or Reactions™ lenses should help slow the development of cataracts.