Cataracts are a common problem among older Americans, a population expected to triple in the next 50 years. Certain dietary components, particularly vitamins and minerals that protect against oxidative stress, may play a role in retarding cataract development. Additionally, results of several cross-sectional studies provide evidence of a lower incidence of lens opacities among users of various types of nutritional supplements.

This recent population-based study provides further evidence of the association between vitamin supplement use and reduced incidence of nuclear and cortical cataracts. The participants of the study included 43- to 86-year-old residents of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, identified by private census. The five-year incidence of cataracts, determined by optometric photographic techniques, was evaluated at baseline and follow-up examination. Of the 3,684 participants in the examinations, 3,089 qualified for incident cataract analysis in the current study.

At five-year follow-up, subjects who had used multivitamins or any supplement containing Vitamin C or E for more than 10 years were 60 percent less likely to suffer cataracts compared with nonusers. Taking multivitamins for this duration lowered the risk for nuclear and cortical cataracts, but not for subcapsular cataracts. Intake of supplements for shorter durations than 10 years was not associated with reduced risk for cataract. Differences in lifestyle and diet between supplement users and nonusers did not influence these associations.

Mares-Perlman JA, Lyle BJ, Klein R, et al. Vitamin supplement use and incident cataracts in a population-based study. Archives of Ophthalmology, Nov. 2000: