Vegans May See Reduced Cataract Risk

A number of studies in recent years have shown that vegetarians and vegans are less likely to suffer strokes or develop heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

But a new study conducted by the University of Oxford and published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that vegans and vegetarians also have a lower risk of developing cataracts. The study included more than 27,000 people 40 and older who completed dietary surveys between 1993 and 1999. The participants’ medical records were tracked through 2009, with researchers focusing on cataract development.

The study found that those who didn’t eat meat had a 30 to 40 percent lower cataract risk than those who did. Research showed the highest risk of cataracts was among the biggest meat eaters (those who consumed more than 100 grams—or 3 ½ ounces—of meat per day). The risk for cataracts dropped in moderate meat eaters.

Although the research did not confirm that meat intake promotes cataracts, it did indicate that those who eat a greater portion of fruits and vegetables have greater protection from cataracts and possibly other vision problems. The Oxford research in some ways echoed a University of Wisconsin study that found people who eat brightly hued fruits and vegetables tend to have fewer vision problems and develop cataracts later in life than those who eat foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Cataracts are caused by the clumping of proteins on the lens of the eye; this obstructs sight, causing blurred vision and can eventually lead to blindness. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 50 percent of Americans develop cataracts by age 80.

Cataracts can be treated with an outpatient surgical procedure. Having cataracts does not necessarily disqualify you from having LASIK surgery to correct other vision problems.

To learn more about vision correction options and to find an ophthalmologist near you, please contact The LASIK Directory.