ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICACY OF ANTIOXIDANT IN PATIENTS OF SENILE CATARACT: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Objective:  To assess the relation between antioxidant vitamins “A”, “C” & “E” nutritional intake; Posterior Sub Capsular Cataracts; Nuclear and Cortical among a group of individuals both men and women.

Material and Methods: 40 patients consisting male and female age range from 40 – 79 years, with senile cataract and 26 patients having no signs of cataract, of the similar ranged ages; were preferred in the patients visited to the Ophthalmic Clinic. For grading “Nuclear, Cortical and Posterior Sub Capsular Lens Opacities (PSCLO)”; the LOCS – III “Lens-Opacities Classification System (LOCS)” was brought into practice. To review plasma absorption of Vitamin “C”; fasting blood samples were taken. We integrated food frequency questionnaires for identification of food habits of our subjects.

Results: - In cataract patients; plasma level of Vit-C 0.9 ± 0.6 mg/dl were notably P-value under 0.002 less than as compared to controlled group 1.4 ± 0.5 mg/dl. Nutritional Vit-A intake P-value under 0.04; Vit-C” P-value under 0.001 and Vit-E P-value under 0.001; in the Cataract patients; observed lower when compared with controlled group. Data shows association involving “Nuclear” P-value under 0.006, PSCO P-value under 0.01 and “Antioxidant” dietary intake, Vit-A, Vit-C and Vit-E were found within this mature patient’s group Cataract patients.

Conclusion: - In the findings of our study it is suggested that an antioxidant rich diet i.e., vitamin A, C and E may possibly carry repercussions of senile cataract formation for delay or prevention from it.

KEYWORDS: - Ophthalmic Clinic, Posterior Sub Capsular Opacities (PSCO), Senile cataract, Fasting, Plasma.