Interrelationships between nutritional status, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle in Indian cataract patients

The etiology of cataracts in the Asian subcontinent is not well understood. The aim of this study was to understand the differences in nutritional and lifestyle-related etiology of cataract in a high-income group (HIG) and a low-income group (LIG).

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 140 cataract patients, aged 50-70 y, and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Socioeconomic information and habitual dietary intake were recorded by interview method. Cataract grading was given by ophthalmologists using a slit-lamp biomicroscope.

In HIG patients, there was a delay of 10 y in the onset of cataracts as compared to LIG patients. Sixty-seven percent of LIG patients were alcoholic and 80% had a family history of cataracts. Further, among LIG male patients, 45%-87% were uneducated and 80% were addicted to tobacco. The intake of animal foods and fried foods was significantly higher in all the patient groups than controls (P<0.001). The intake of vegetables, fruits, salads, and tea were higher in all the controls than patients (P<0.001). For HIG male patients, between alcoholics and non-alcoholics, significant differences were noted for antioxidant status and soluble to total proteins ratio of lens. Similar differences were seen between HIG male smokers and non-smokers. Multiple regression analysis of solubility and opacity of lens indicated influence of family size, sunlight exposure, and systolic blood pressure for predisposition of cataracts.

Along with high systolic blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, family size, sunlight exposure, and increased consumption of tobacco and alcohol were the risk factors for cataracts.