What Should Cataract Patients Eat?
There are several types of cataracts. The most common type is age-related cataract; however, since age-related cataracts are associated solely with aging, there are no dietary restrictions, and diet has no direct relationship with cataract development. In contrast, patients with diabetic cataracts should avoid high-glycemic and high-sugar foods—such as watermelon and apples—to help control blood glucose levels. So, what should cataract patients eat?
What Should Cataract Patients Eat?
Cataract patients are encouraged to consume vitamin C because it helps alleviate cataract progression. Cataracts develop over time due to prolonged exposure of the lens to light and oxygen. Vitamin C effectively reduces oxidative damage caused by light and oxygen to the lens, thereby helping prevent both the onset and progression of cataracts. Foods rich in vitamin C include tomatoes, jujubes (Chinese dates), rose hips, kiwifruit, passion fruit, and various fresh green vegetables.

Therefore, cataract patients should increase their intake of zinc-rich foods—such as herring, sardines, lean meat, peanuts, walnuts, and oysters—while minimizing or avoiding fried foods, artificial fats, margarine, and animal fats, all of which accelerate oxidative reactions and increase the risk of cataracts. Patients should also limit consumption of lactose-rich dairy products—including whole milk powder, fresh milk, cream, cheese, and ice cream. Lactose in milk is broken down by lactase into galactose; some individuals exhibit reduced metabolic capacity for galactose, potentially contributing to lens damage.

In daily life, patients should maintain a positive mindset, actively cooperate with their physicians during treatment, take prescribed medications regularly and as directed, and pay attention to routine self-care—so that their condition improves as quickly as possible. We hope this information is helpful to you.