Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are both leading causes of blindness in the United States, but scientists have been uncertain if the two diseases may be linked.  Researchers have just completed a study to assess the risk of developing AMD after cataract surgery.

4,477 participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a multicenter, controlled, randomized clinical trial were assessed every six months for at least five years.

Emily Y. Chew, MD, of the National Eye Institute and her colleagues evaluated the data and compared the risk of AMD in participants who had cataracts removed with those who have not had the surgery. 

Their conclusions?  The AREDS results showed no clear effect of cataract surgery on the risk of progression to advanced AMD, which may reassure patients with AMD who are considering cataract surgery.

Learn more about natural care and treatment of AMD and cataracts

SOURCE:  Risk of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration after Cataract Surgery in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study: AREDS Report 25, Chew et al, Ophthalmology – February 2009 (Vol. 116, Issue 2, Pages 297-303.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world.  Studies suggest that oxidation is responsible for much of the damage to the lens and that antioxidants might protect the lens against formation of cataract.

Scientists at the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne in Australia have released their investigation of the relationship between antioxidant nutrient intakes and the incidence of age-related cataract.

During 1992–1994, 3654 people aged 49 years or older attended baseline examinations as part of the Blue Mountains Eye Study.  Of these, 2464 (67.4%) of the participants were evaluated again at either 5 years or 10 years.  At each examination, lens photography was performed and food-frequency questionnaires were administered.  Antioxidants, including beta-carotene, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, were assessed. Cataract was assessed at each examination from lens photographs with the use of the Wisconsin Cataract Grading System.

Participants whose total intake of vitamin C (diet as well as supplements) was in the top 20% of the group had a reduced risk of nuclear cataract.  An above-median intake of combined antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc) was also associated with a reduced risk of incident nuclear cataract. 

Study authors concluded that higher intakes of vitamin C or the combined intake of antioxidants had long-term protective associations against development of nuclear cataract in this older population.

Learn more about antioxidants and their importance for good eye health

Read more about cataracts

SOURCE:  Tan, et al, Antioxidant nutrient intake and the long-term incidence of age-related cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study,  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 6, 1899-1905, June 2008.