Cataracts as stated earlier are the leading correctable cause of vision loss. Do you have to just get a cataract not being able to do anything about it?? The answer is NO. Aging and oxidative stress are two causes of cataract development. Lifestyle can slow aging and reduce oxidative stress and the medical literature supports these claims.
RISK FACTORS FOR CATARACTS
IF YOU HAVE: YOUR RISK OF CATARACT IS:
Taken Oral Steroids 5.8 times the normal risk
Diabetes 4-6
Alcohol >1 drink/day 2-4
Smoking > 1 pkg/day 3.17
Ultra-violet light excess 1.6-3.3
Gout medications 2.48
Milk >100ml/day 2.50
Non-white race 2.03
Nonprofessional 1.96
Family History 1.50
Low education 1.46
AVERAGE RISK 1.00
PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR CATARACTS
IF YOU DO OR HAVE: YOUR RISK OF CATARACT IS:
AVERAGE RISK 1.00
A-Carotene (high plasma levels) 0.70
B-Carotene “ 0.50
Lutein “ 0.50
Lycopene “ 0.40
Multivitamin use 0.63-0.73
Vitamin C alone >10 years 0.55
riboflavin B-6, thiamine B-1, C, E,
and niacin combined 0.20-0.40
The majority of studies show vitamin use and/or higher carotenoid blood levels are associated with a lower rate of cataract. A 12 years study on 22,000 US physicians showed that Beta-carotene had no effect on past smokers or non smokers but reduced cataract risk in current smokers by 25%.
Just like AMD, Cataract is associated with heart health factors.
Obesity, high blood pressure and history of angina or heart problems were all associated with an increased cataract risk.
Elevated blood triglycerides in men, has been associated with an increased risk of cataract.
Some medical references: Arch Ophthalmol/Vol 121 March 2003, pp372-377
Ophthalmic Epidemiology/Vol 10(4) 2003, pp227-240
Ophthalmology/Vol 110(3) March 2003. pp578-583
