In a survey on the use of vitamin supplements, it was found that those who
were free of cataracts used significantly more vitamins C and E. Vitamin
supplementation appeared to reduce the risk of cataracts by 50 per cent.
Robertson et al: Vitamin E intake and risk of cataracts in humans. Ann N Y
Acad Sci 570:372-82, 1989
There is now much evidence to suggest that individuals with higher intakes
of antioxidant nutrients have a reduced risk of developing cataracts. Gerster
H: Antioxidant vitamins in cataract prevention. Z Ernahrungswiss 28(1):56-75,
1989
Inviduals with a low serum concentration of antioxidant vitamins had almost
twice the risk of developing cataracts compared with those with the highest
levels. Knekt P et al: Serum antioxidant vitamins and risk of cataract. BMJ
305(6866):1392-4, 1992
The consumption of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may be the most
cost-effective way to delay the development of cataracts, since comprised
functioning of the lens and retina with ageing are exacerbated by reduced
reserves of antioxidant nutrients and reduced antioxidant enzyme function.
Taylor A et al: Relations among aging, antioxidant status, and cataract. Am J
Clin Nutr 62(6 Suppl):1439S-1447S, 1995.
It has been estimated that in the United States more than half of the
operations carried out to remove cataracts, as well as the associated
healthcare costs could be obviated if the onset of cataracts could be delayed
by 10 years. The authors point out that the scientific literature supports the
use of dietary measures to achieve this. Taylor A: Cataract: relationship
between nutrition and oxidation. J Am Coll Nutr 12(2):138-46, 1993.
