PUNE, India—Greater intake of antioxidants, along with less sunlight exposure and tobacco or alcohol consumption, reduced the risk of cataractogenesis in older Indian, according to a recent study (Nutrition. ePub 2010 May 14. DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2009.11.015). Researchers from Agharkar Research Institute conducted a cross-sectional study on 140 cataract patients, aged 50 to 70 years, and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, looking at dietary intake and socioeconomic information (high-income and low-income).
High-income patients had a 10 year delay in the onset of cataracts compared to low-income patients. Low-income male patients were also significantly more likely to be uneducated and addicted to tobacco. All subjects with cataracts had greater intake of animal food and friend foods; intake of antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits, salad and tea was significantly higher in the control subjects compared to cataract patients. There were significant differences seen in antioxidant status of high-income cataract patients between those who smoked and were alcoholics, and those who were not. Greater sunlight exposure was also associated with predisposition for cataract.
