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. Researchers evaluated the Vitamin D.
If you or some you know is concerned
about their cataract risk or needs a cataract eye exam please call us at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+
or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.
D'Ambrosio
Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and
western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike,
Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster,
Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main
Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts
01440.
