A large dietary study reported in Reuters suggests vegetarians have a lower rate of cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that can limit vision and require surgery.

27,600 participants older than 40 were in the study and completed dietary surveys between 1993 and 1999. Medical charts were reviewed in 2008 and 2009 to see if participants developed cataracts.  Nearly 1500 people did develop cataracts during that period.  Dietary review found that nearly 3 in 50 meat eaters developed cataracts compared to about 2 in 50 that followed a vegetarian diet. Further, they found that those who ate the most meat (more than 3.5 oz daily) also were at the greatest risk for developing cataracts. Compared to this group, vegetarians had a 30-40 percent decreased risk of developing cataracts.

Concerned about your risk of developing cataracts?  See an optometrist at Gray Family Vision today.

By Dr. Cook, O.D.