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A possible role for vitamins C and E in cataract prevention
J M Robertson1, A P Donner, J R Trevithick
1Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Antioxidant vitamins C and E may help prevent cataracts. This study found cataract patients consumed fewer vitamin supplements compared to those without cataracts, suggesting a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oxidative stress from free radicals is implicated in senile cataract development.
- Antioxidant vitamins C and E are hypothesized to prevent or slow cataract progression.
- Previous studies show lower serum vitamin levels in cataract patients and protective effects in experimental models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported supplementary vitamin consumption and the risk of senile cataracts.
- To compare vitamin intake between cataract patients and matched controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 175 cataract patients with 175 age- and sex-matched cataract-free subjects.
- Self-reported consumption of supplementary vitamins C and E was assessed.
Main Results:
- Subjects without cataracts reported significantly higher intake of supplementary vitamin C (P = 0.01) and vitamin E (P = 0.004) compared to cataract patients.
- The findings suggest a potential reduction in cataract risk of at least 50% with vitamin supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported use of supplementary vitamins C and E is associated with a reduced risk of senile cataracts.
- A randomized, controlled trial of vitamin supplementation for cataract prevention is warranted based on these findings.