PLEASANT HILL, Calif., March 13, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Looking Glass Optometry of Pleasant Hill, California, recently launched a campaign to raise awareness about the possible link between diet and cataracts. More specifically, several studies have suggested that consuming a healthy diet that's rich in antioxidants may significantly reduce a person's risk of developing cataracts. Drs. Eileen Cheng and Kevin Dong and their team would like to educate the public about this potential link.

Although the exact cause of the Age-related cataract is unknown, research suggests that oxidative stress, which damages proteins and enzymes in the lens, causes the lens to become cloudy, which leads to cataract formation. Oxidative stress occurs when harmful free radicals and the antioxidants that fight them get out of balance. Free radicals are molecules that are highly reactive with others due to unpaired electrons. Most commonly, oxygen molecules attempt to stabilize themselves by acquiring electrons from other molecules in the body. Those molecules then steal electrons from other molecules, and a vicious cycle begins. This process causes molecules to steal electrons from otherwise healthy cells in tissues and organs--a process that is known as oxidation.

In the eyes, oxidation affects fats and proteins in the lenses, rendering them cloudy and damaged. "Of course, studies are not completely conclusive," said Dr. Dong. "For now, though, it's the best that we have to go on, and it's why we encourage patients to adopt healthier diets." In this case, a healthier diet would be one that is rich in antioxidants. Those antioxidants are then able to fight off harmful free radicals, which may ultimately prevent oxidation in the lenses and, in turn, a reduced risk of cataracts. Whole grains and colorful vegetables and fruits tend to be very rich in beneficial antioxidants, which include vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C and E and lutein. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish, may also help to reduce a person's risk of developing cataracts. Dr. Cheng said if you want to use the nutritional approach to avoid cataract formation you should eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day, a minimum of three servings of whole grains daily and two servings of fish per week. Dr. Dong adds, in addition, you also have to avoid fried processed foods, sugary snacks and soft drinks because they all appear to increase the risk of cataract formation.

Looking Glass Optometry is located in Pleasant Hill, California, and also serves the communities of Lafayette, Walnut Creek and surrounding areas. Local residents who want more information about cataracts and diet or who would like to make appointments can do so by calling the clinic at 925-687- 7638.

Looking Glass Optometry, 925-687-7638

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