The Association between Dietary Intake of Antioxidants and Ocular Disease.

The risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, may drop significantly with increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

​This study evaluated the association between dietary choices and the likelihood of being diagnosed with oxidative stress-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers from New Zealand tracked the eating patterns and incidence rates of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration in a study group comprising 227 men and women. 

Researchers found out that high consumers of antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, had less chances of acquiring oxidative stress-related ocular diseases. On the other hand, a significant increase in the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration was observed among subjects on diets high in meats and nuts. The findings of this study suggest that increased intake of antioxidant-containing foods may be an important part of a dietary approach for the prevention of ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.