NASA and the National Eye Institute have been working together to develop a  non-invasive method to measure very early development of cataracts and monitor any progression. This is important to astronauts receiving higher daily dose of radiation, especially on a long mission such as the future Mars flight,  but there are great potential applications for preventing and treating cataracts in the future. The crystalline lens in the eye is composed largely of water but there is a class of  proteins present  known as alpha-crystallins.

The amount of  Alpha-crystallin Proteins in the eye are largely fixed at birth, we don’t produce more. They function to  a help the lens maintain it’s refractive index, which allows it to focus light on the retina so we can clearly see images. They also act as so called chaperone’s, dating the bad proteins that breakdown in the lens from oxidative stress. By joining up with theses proteins they prevent cross linking  between large numbers of damaged proteins and other damaged cellular substances that can develop into large clumps and form opacities in the lens. These capacities can develop large enough in size that they start to interfere with your eyesight and become clinically referred to as cataracts.

The new instrument measures how much Alpha-crystallin Proteins scatter light and can detect their levels and changes  over time. Now the potential exists to measure changes in response to environmental factors.

We have shown that this non-invasive technology that was developed for the space program can now be used to look at the early signs of protein damage due to oxidative stress, a key process involved in many medical conditions, including age-related cataract and diabetes, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s," said NASA’s Dr. Ansari. "By understanding the role of protein changes in cataract formation, we can use the lens not just to look at eye disease, but also as a window into the whole body."

Oxidative Stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of Reactive oxygen species and your bodies capaictiy to neutrlaize them, the reactive intermediates, and repair any resultant cellular damage. Oxidative stress results from UV, radiation, drugs, chemicals,smoking, dietary components and other environmental factors that create oxygen is states where free electrons readily bind to cellular substances, Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or ions with unpaired electrons that also readily bind to proteins, lipids, and the DNA of our cells. When the threshold of repair is passed, and the Alpha-crystallin Proteins become lowered with age to the point where they can’t adequately act as chaperone’s to prevent these damgaed proteins from aggreagting into the clumps, you will likley develop cataracts.

Hopefully we can start to clarify some of the lingering questions and move forward into the arean of cataract prevention and reversal. Antioxidants have held out great hope for cataract prevention and anti-aging in general, but questions have been raised in some recent studies about the capacity of antioxidants to help.There is even a small school of thought that believes low doses of oxidative stress is essential in prolonging life. At this point, the only certainly is Vitamin A is contraindicated in smokers.

I still strongly believe in the value of antioxidants in a preventative role. Some studies have shown lutein and zeathin have reduced the incidence of cataract formation. Extensive studies are underway to test their role in treating macular degeneration. Vitamin C is still on my list as anti-catarogenic. One factor to keep in mind is natural is not always good. St John’s Wort does have some properties that my causes cataracts and sunglasses need to be worn and sunlight limited if you are taking St Johns Wort (commonly used for depression). This does not appear to be a strong causative factor but one to consider and compensate for when working in the sun.

Other lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and eating a high glycemic index (highly refined high sugar,highly refined foods) are controllable risk factors. While I have not see the reasons published, presumably oxidative stress is the common factor. Smoking is know ot decrease antioxidants systemically  in your body, the cellular damage from free radicals is obvious in the loss of  skin elasticity. Even visible blue light causes oxidative damage in the retina and probably in the lens, Lutien and xeanthin may act as antioxidants in the lens to help prevent cataract development.

We can look forward to a great future in early detection (prior to visible damages) from cataracts and determining what lifestyle, dietary,and potential drugs ans supplements may prevent cataracts at some point in the future.

For now diet,exercise, a healthy body weight, a daily supplement (without the Vitamin A for smokers,  added Lutien, Zeanthin, and vitamin C is probably your best bet. And everything you can get from food (such as Lutein from spinach or other foods with high levels is presumably better than a pill.—Add protect your eyes from the UV sunlight with quality sunglasses or UV blocking contact lenses.

The next time you see your Eye Doctor they may just be measuring your alpha-crystallins levels, especially if you signed up for that 3 year cruise to Mars.

Our office is a Proud Participent in Vision Service Plan, and we work with you to maximize your understanding of  your vision insurance plans benefits. It is one more way of thankng you for entrusting your eye axam and vision care with us.

Fort Collins Optometrist