Vitamin E May Not Help Prevent Cataracts

A new study conducted by Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School of Boston finds that vitamin E and selenium, long thought to be necessary for the prevention of age-related cataracts, may not be as beneficial as once believed. The study took place over 5 ½ years and included more than 11,000 men, all over the age of 50.

During the course of the study there were 389 cases of cataracts. Of these, 184 occurred in a control group that had been taking selenium regularly and 204 in a group that had not taken any selenium. Men in 197 of these cases had also been taking vitamin E. The authors of the study concluded that, “long-term daily supplemental use of vitamin E has no material impact on cataract incidence. The data also exclude any large beneficial effect on cataract for long-term supplemental use of selenium, with or without vitamin E, although a smaller but potentially important beneficial effect could not be ruled out.”

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. While dietary changes can help reduce the risk of cataracts, early detection and proper treatment remain the best way to prevent vision loss.

To find an experienced ophthalmologist ion your area, please visit our eye doctor locator today.