Vitamin Supplements for Cataract Prevention, Proceed With Caution
06th June 2008
In an effort to stay healthy, and prevent disease many of us have been taking vitamins. When examining the physiology of our eyes, it makes sense in certain instances to supplement our diets, and improve the metabolism of tissues. There are several problems that arise with that point of view. The first; is that many of these supplements have not been proven to be useful. The second; is that there can be drug interaction between the vitamins and other medications. Therefore care must be taken, and always inform your doctor of anything that you take.
Many studies have suggested that taking Vitamin E will prevent cataract formation. As such, many seniors have rushed out and started taking this fat soluble supplement. However, a recent 10 years study published in the May issue of Ophthalmology concluded that there is NO benefit in taking the vitamin E with regard to preventing cataracts. The study followed over 37,000 women and found no difference between those taking the vitamin and those that did not.
Cataracts form when the internal lens of the eye becomes yellow as a result of Ultraviolet light absorption. This high energy light transforms a type of protein in the lens making it less transparent. Previous studies have found that taking Vitamin C will block this transfer of protein types, and can reduce the severity of the cataract. One must always balance the intake of any supplement with toxicity. Too much Vitamin C can cause kidney stones in those that are predisposed.
We always recommend that patients wear quality sunglasses which will protect the eyes from the UV light, avoid cigarette smoke which increases the protein transfer, and eat a well balanced diet. In doing so, individuals will get all the nutrients that one needs. Taking supplements is a good idea if there are certian medical conditions or needs, but to most Americans a good diet is all that is needed.
Dr. Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for
VisionUpdate.net, and a practicing doctor for New York Vision Associates, http://newyorkvisionassociates.com,
Occupation: researcher
Dr. Stockman received his undergraduate degree from Boston University in Boston, Mass. where he majored in Chemistry, and his doctorate from The SUNY College of Optometry in New York. During that period, he did research at NYU medical school on Cystic Fibrosis. He received the prestigious 10 year membership award from the American Optometric Association, is a Senior examiner for the National Board of examiners in Optometry, and has published numerous articles in the fields of Contact lenses, ocular pathology and general health related topics. Dr. Stockman has owned and operated a contact lens manufacturing facility, and is a master Gas Permeable contact lens designer. Dr. Stockman is an established internet Web and software designer, and is a founding member and sits on the Board of 2 internet companies as well as being their CEOs. He is also an expert skier and champion amateur tennis player.
