The American Society for Nutrition recently posted results of an on-going study that investigated the relationship between diet and risk of developing cataracts. The participants of the study consisted of a high number of vegetarians versus those who consistently included meat in their diet.

The study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford in England, followed a group of over 2,600 people, over the age of 40, for up to 15 years. At the beginning of the study, each participant was asked to complete a dietary survey. Their medical records were then monitored in the last 2 years of the study to see if they had developed cataracts. Almost 1,500 of the group had cataracts during the follow up period.

It was then concluded that vegetarians or vegans had a lower percentage cataract risk than the meat eaters. In fact 30-40% less likely to develop cataracts than those who consume a lot of meat: 3.5 ounces or more per day. Others who had moderate consumption of meat or who had fish and not meat also had lower percentage of risk for the development of cataracts.

While the study didn’t necessarily prove that eating meat causes cataracts, they did suggest that eating a lot of vegetables might have an added protective value to reducing or prolonging the occurrence of cataracts. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants may also play a role in boosting cataract risk.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a cloudiness that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. When the lens is clouded, light becomes distorted and is not focused clearly on the retina. Vision is reduced, and blindness can eventually result.

The National Eye Institute estimates that 21 million Americans have at least one cataract and that the number will increase to 30 million by 2020.