Phytotherapeutics for management and prevention of cataract generation

Abstract

Cataract is the main cause of blindness in the world, responsible for approximately 50% of the existing cases in both developed and developing countries. Yet it is a condition that can be treated by means of a rather safe and low-cost surgical procedure. In human the age of above 50 years, diabetes, ultraviolet radiation, smoking and chronic steroid therapy are among risk factors for accelerating cataract development. In rural Sub Saharan-Africa, Morocco, India, Nepal and China, blinding cataract is still frequently treated by traditional techniques of couching, a locally available treatment at a cost that members of a rural community can afford. This review explains the brief description of medicinal plants used in the management of cataract.