Effect of photooxidation on the eye lens and role of nutrients in delaying cataract.

The function of the eye lens is to collect and focus light on the retina. To do so, it must remain clear during the decades of life. Upon aging, lens constituents are damaged and precipitate in opacities called senile cataracts. Laboratory and epidemiologic data indicate that the damage is due in part to light and active forms of oxygen. Antioxidant nutrients - ascorbate, carotenoids, and tocopherol - appear to offer protection against cataract. Fifty million persons worldwide are blind due to cataract, and, in the U.S., there are 1.2 million cataract surgeries performed at an annual cost (including physician visits) of over $3.2 billion. It has been estimated that a 10-year delay in the development of cataract would eliminate the need for half the surgeries. Since it will not be possible to replace most of the damaged lenses, it is essential to determine the efficacy of supplying adequate levels of antioxidant nutrients early in life to preserve lens function.