Healthy diet may lower risk of cataracts in women

June 15, 2010

Research has shown time and again that a balanced diet rich in certain vitamins and minerals may help maintain, and even improve, eye health. New research shows that women, in particular, may benefit from a healthy diet by preventing the development of cataracts, ScienceDaily.com reports.

Researchers studied 1,808 women between the ages of 55 and 86, since cataracts are more likely to develop in the older population. The study found that foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, milk and meat tended to contribute more to the prevention of cataracts and overall eye health, and a reduction in fat, sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat was a contributing factor.

"Results from this study indicate that healthy diets, which reflect adherence to the U.S. dietary guidelines at the time of entry in the Women's Health Initiative study, are more strongly related to the lower occurrence of nuclear cataracts than any other modifiable risk factor or protective factor studied in this sample of women."

The study also recommends other changes individuals can make in their quest for improved eye health, which include exercise and quitting , or never starting, smoking.