Cataracts continue to be a leading
cause of vision decline in seniors as well as aging baby boomers. Those
patients who do not yet have a cataract often ask if it is possible to reduce
their risk or avoid cataracts with vitamins or diet supplement. Since Vitamin D
has been shown to have an antioxidant effect it might seem like a good bet to
reduce cataracts. But, the data continues to be confusing with regard to
Vitamin D and cataract prevention. Researchers reporting in the Journal of
Cataract & Refractive Surgery studied the impact and relationship between
serum levels of Vitamin D and the risk of age related cataracts. They were able
to eliminate the effect of other cataract risk factors such as age, sex,
smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, and sunlight exposure. The results
showed that in men, but not in women,
the odds of developing age-related cataracts decreased with statistical significance when the serum Vitamin D
levels were in the highest 10% as
compared to the when they were in the lowest 10%. But, it wasn’t a uniform
trend throughout the range-only in comparison of the top to the bottom levels
of serum Vitamin D levels. This, along with no real benefit for women makes the
results warrant more study for now. Fortunately
cataract surgery and lens implants offer a safe, effective and predictable
treatment method with excellent results.
If you or some you know is concerned about their cataract
risk or needs a cataract eye exam please call The Eye Care & Surgery
Center at 908-789-8999, visit The
Eye Care & Surgery Center, Google+ or
facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.
The Eye
Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield Avenue,
Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059
and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout
central and northern New Jersey.
