Cataract Nutritional Research

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CATARACT STUDIES

 

 

 

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1. Subjects taking vitamin C supplements for more than 10 years had a

45-77% lower risk of early lens opacities (cataracts) and 83% lower risk of

moderate lens opacities. The higher the serum levels, the lower the risk of

cataracts. Jacques, et al. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct.

1997. S.E. Hankinson, et al. 1992. BMJ: 305: 335-339. Simon JA, Hudes ES J Clin

Epidemiol 1999 Dec;52(12):1207-11

 

2. Vitamin E, vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, and taurine appear to offer

protection against lens damage caused by low level radiation. Bantseev, et al.

Biochem Mol Biol Int 1997 Sep;42(6):1189-97.

 

3. Dietary lutein and cryptoxanthin were associated with 70% lower risk of

nuclear cataracts in those under age 65. Lyle, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1999

Feb;69(2):272-7.

 

4. Dietary intake of protein, vitamins A, C, E, and carotene, niacin,

riboflavin, and thiamine significantly decreased the risk of all cataract types.

(Combining a variety of antioxidant nutrients produced the greatest effect.)

Cumming RG, et al. Ophthalmology 2000 Mar;107(3):450-6 Leske, et al. Arch

Ophthalmol 1991 Feb;109(2):244-51.

 

5. Vitamin E taken with bilberry extract stopped the progression of senile

cortical cataracts in 97% of the eyes of human subjects. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul,

1989.

 

6. Low blood levels of vitamin E were associated with approximately twice

the risk of both cortical and nuclear cataracts, compared to median or high

levels. Vitale, et al. Epidemiology 1993 May;4(3):195-203

 

7. Smokers were 2.6 times as likely to develop posterior subcapsular

cataracts than nonsmokers. Hankinson, et al. JAMA 1992 Aug 26;268(8):994-8

 

8. Patients with senile cataracts were found to have significantly lower

blood and intraocular levels of the mineral selenium than controls. Karakucuk

S, et al. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 1995 Aug;73(4):329-32

 

9. Alpha lipoic acid can help prevent cataract formation as well as nerve

degeneration and radiation injury. Packer, et al. Free Radic Biol Med 1995

Aug;19(2):227-50

 

 

 

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RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA STUDIES

 

 

 

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1. Patients with retinitis pigmentosa appear to have faulty cellular

uptake of the amino acid taurine. Disturbed utilization of vitamin A also

appears to play a part in retinitis pigmentosa, and a subgroup of patients

benefit from supplementation of this vitamin. Head KA, Altern Med Rev 1999

Oct;4(5):342-59

2. The essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and DHA may be required

for those with retinitis pigmentosa to support normal functional development of

the retina. Uauy R, et al. Lipids 1996 Mar;31 Suppl:S167-76

 

3. A diet high in polyunsaturated fats (e.g. corn oil), and low in

vitamin E, selenium, sulfur-containing amino acids (e.g. taurine, methionine),

and chromium were related to a build up of pigment which mimics one type of

retinitis pigmentosa. Katz, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1978

 

4. Lutein supplementation in high doses improved both visual acuities and

visual fields after 2-4 weeks of treatment in 16 subjects, and was especially

effective in blue eyed individuals. Dagnelie G., et al Optometry 2000

Mar;71(3):147-64

 

 

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DISCUSSION AND COMMENTS

 

While these studies are certainly promising, we must stress that there are

no widely accepted or proven cures for degenerative eye disease and some studies

have even shown no positive results. (This often can be attributed to their use

of the wrong form of nutrients or inadequate doses). More studies are indicated

and being undertaken at centers all over the world. A few small, nonpublished

studies have shown that as many as 80% of early macular degeneration patients

have stablized for several years after beginning supplements, but these are

still preliminary.

Other factors affect the progression of eye diseases, including too many

saturated and " trans " (hydrogenated) fats and not enough Omega 3 fats. Also

certain medications, toxins (including aspartame, aka " Nutrasweet " click for

article, and MSG), smoking, excess sunlight exposure, poor drinking water and

air quality, as well as lack of exercise and the resultant decreased blood flow

to the ocular tissues can affect visual outcome. (See our " Tips " report on The

EYE SITE's Home Page for more on these other factors.)

 

The overwhelming body of evidence points to significant beneficial effects

of nutritional supplementation for most degenerative eye conditions. Important

to remember is that most of the above studies used blood levels and food intakes

associated with a normal diet. Taking supplements with dosages significantly

higher than available in a normal diet may have a much more protective effect

than dietary levels alone. With so little risk, and the other potential health

benefits from taking nutritional supplements, it would certainly seem prudent to

try them, especially for macular degeneration where there are no real options.

 

Once the damage is done it cannot be reversed (except to a small degree),

so prevention and early intervention is essential, especially if we have a

family history of the disease. Of course, it's important to slow further

progression at any stage of development. It is also important to be followed

closely by a nutritionally knowledgeable eye doctor when starting nutritional

supplements and one should never discontinue prescribed medications without your

regular doctor's approval.

 

Most of the nutrients mentioned above can be purchased individually or in

combination at your local healthfood store, but it can be very confusing for the

lay person or even health professionals to separate the facts from the hype.

For this reason, we've compiled a Comparison Chart for the two best ocular

nutrition supplements which we've come across, as well as the two most popular

brands given away as samples by many eye doctors. Forget the hype and compare

them head-to-head yourself by going to the Ocular Nutrition Comparison Chart by

clicking on this underlined text.

 

 

 

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May we count on you to help us? Since the vast majority of optometrists

and ophthalmologists find it very difficult to keep up with all the new

research, would you please share this information with your own eye doctor?

(Emailing or printing this page out and handing or faxing it to him/her are the

best ways.) We know that, with your help, we can reach more eye doctors and

keep them up-to-date on promising new techniques for preserving eyesight and

health. We also would appreciate your requesting that other health websites you

visit link to our studies. We thank you in advance for your kind efforts!

 

We now are building up a network of progressive eye physicians who are

aware of the research on this page and want to keep abreast of important new

studies as they are published.

 

 

 

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