Antioxidants may slow cataract progression

NEW ORLEANS — A nutritional diet that includes beta-carotene (18 mg/day), vitamin C (750 mg/day) and vitamin E (600 mg/day) has been shown to modify the progression of cataract, according to the Roche European-American Cataract Trial results.

Of the 297 patients randomized in the trial, 231 were followed for 2 years, 158 were followed for 3 years and 36 were followed for 4 years. After a 3-month placebo run-in, patients were randomized by clinical center to vitamin or placebo control group and followed every 4 months.

No statistically significant differences existed between treatment groups at baseline. After 2 years of treatment, a small positive effect was noted in the U.S. group; at 3 years, positive effects were noted in both the U.S. and U.K. groups.

The results were discussed at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting held here last week.