The Health Diva

Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment throughout the world. In the U.S., cataract-related expenditure is estimated to exceed 3 billion dollars annually (22). Cataracts occur more frequently and become more severe as people age.

Decreased vitamin C levels in the lens of the eye have been associated with increased severity of cataracts in humans. Some, but not all, studies have observed increased dietary vitamin C intake (23) and increased blood levels of vitamin C (24) to be associated with decreased risk of cataracts. Those studies that have found a relationship suggest that vitamin C intake may have to be higher than 300 mg/day for a number of years before a protective effect can be detected (1).