How to Prevent Cataracts With Natural Remedies
Summary
Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, often linked to aging, chronic stress, medication side effects, and elevated insulin levels. Dr. Berg outlines two key natural remedies — fat-soluble vitamin B1 and NAC eye drops — that may help repair and prevent lens clouding. Addressing diet and insulin resistance is also emphasized as foundational.
Key Takeaways
- Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the eye’s lens, eventually requiring surgery if untreated
- Elevated insulin levels, diabetes, and insulin resistance are major contributing factors
- Prednisone (a corticosteroid) is listed as a drug that can cause cataracts as a side effect
- Fat-soluble vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine) penetrates cell membranes more effectively than standard water-soluble B1, reaching deeper into eye tissue
- NAC (N-Acetylcarnosine) eye drops can be applied directly to the eye to help repair the lens
- Diabetics are particularly at risk due to glucose depleting vitamin B1 levels over time, which can lead to vision loss
- Fixing diet is considered essential alongside these remedies
Details
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts develop as part of the normal aging process but are accelerated by several factors:
- Chronic stress
- Prednisone use (a common corticosteroid medication)
- High insulin levels, including in people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and insulin resistance
The connection to insulin is a central theme — elevated glucose and insulin appear to deplete key nutrients in the eye, particularly vitamin B1.
Remedy #1: Fat-Soluble Vitamin B1
- Standard vitamin B1 is water-soluble, which limits how deeply it penetrates tissues
- The fat-soluble form (such as Benfotiamine) is able to pass through cell membranes and reach deeper structures within the eye
- This form is particularly beneficial for:
- Repairing cataract-related lens damage
- Peripheral neuropathy and other nerve-related conditions
- Diabetics are especially likely to be deficient in B1 due to glucose metabolism depleting it over time, making supplementation especially relevant for this group
Remedy #2: N-Acetylcarnosine (NAC) Eye Drops
- N-Acetylcarnosine (NAC) drops are applied directly to the eye
- Described as a highly effective topical remedy for repairing the lens of the eye
- Widely available and can be sourced online or in stores
Dietary Foundation
Dr. Berg stresses that natural remedies work best when paired with dietary changes that address the underlying insulin and blood sugar issues driving cataract formation. Separate videos on diet are referenced for further guidance.