Kirtan Vilas Tarwadi1, Vaishali Vilas Agte2. 1. Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune, India. 2. Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune, India. Electronic address: vaishaliagte@hotmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The etiology of cataracts in the Asian subcontinent is not well understood. The aim of this study was to understand the differences in nutritional and lifestyle-related etiology of cataract in a high-income group (HIG) and a low-income group (LIG). RESEARCH METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 140 cataract patients, aged 50-70 y, and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Socioeconomic information and habitual dietary intake were recorded by interview method. Cataract grading was given by ophthalmologists using a slit-lamp biomicroscope. RESULTS: In HIG patients, there was a delay of 10 y in the onset of cataracts as compared to LIG patients. Sixty-seven percent of LIG patients were alcoholic and 80% had a family history of cataracts. Further, among LIG male patients, 45%-87% were uneducated and 80% were addicted to tobacco. The intake of animal foods and fried foods was significantly higher in all the patient groups than controls (P<0.001). The intake of vegetables, fruits, salads, and tea were higher in all the controls than patients (P<0.001). For HIG male patients, between alcoholics and non-alcoholics, significant differences were noted for antioxidant status and soluble to total proteins ratio of lens. Similar differences were seen between HIG male smokers and non-smokers. Multiple regression analysis of solubility and opacity of lens indicated influence of family size, sunlight exposure, and systolic blood pressure for predisposition of cataracts. CONCLUSIONS: Along with high systolic blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, family size, sunlight exposure, and increased consumption of tobacco and alcohol were the risk factors for cataracts.
OBJECTIVES: The etiology of cataracts in the Asian subcontinent is not well understood. The aim of this study was to understand the differences in nutritional and lifestyle-related etiology of cataract in a high-income group (HIG) and a low-income group (LIG). RESEARCH METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 140 cataractpatients, aged 50-70 y, and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Socioeconomic information and habitual dietary intake were recorded by interview method. Cataract grading was given by ophthalmologists using a slit-lamp biomicroscope. RESULTS: In HIG patients, there was a delay of 10 y in the onset of cataracts as compared to LIG patients. Sixty-seven percent of LIG patients were alcoholic and 80% had a family history of cataracts. Further, among LIG male patients, 45%-87% were uneducated and 80% were addicted to tobacco. The intake of animal foods and fried foods was significantly higher in all the patient groups than controls (P<0.001). The intake of vegetables, fruits, salads, and tea were higher in all the controls than patients (P<0.001). For HIG male patients, between alcoholics and non-alcoholics, significant differences were noted for antioxidant status and soluble to total proteins ratio of lens. Similar differences were seen between HIG male smokers and non-smokers. Multiple regression analysis of solubility and opacity of lens indicated influence of family size, sunlight exposure, and systolic blood pressure for predisposition of cataracts. CONCLUSIONS: Along with high systolic blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, family size, sunlight exposure, and increased consumption of tobacco and alcohol were the risk factors for cataracts.
Authors: Alfredo García-Layana; Gianfranco Ciufo; Estefania Toledo; Miguel A Martínez-González; Dolores Corella; Montse Fitó; Ramon Estruch; Enrique Gómez-Gracia; Miguel Fiol; José Lapetra; Lluís Serra-Majem; Xavier Pintó; Maria P Portillo; José V Sorli; Mónica Bulló; Ernest Vinyoles; Aleix Sala-Vila; Emilio Ros; Jordi Salas-Salvadó; Fernando Arós Journal: Nutrients Date: 2017-05-03 Impact factor: 5.717