Lens opacities and use of nutritional supplements: the barbados eye study

Purpose, To evaluate the relationship between age-related lens opacities and use of nutritional supplements in a black population. Methods. The Barbados Eye Study (BES) was a population-based study, that included 4709 Barbados bom citizens, or 84% of a random sample, 40 to 84 years of age. Of these, 4314 black participants had complete eye exams and lens gradings with the Lens Opacities Classification System II (LOCS II); information was obtained on demographics, medical, ophthalmic and nutrition history. A LOCS II score of >2 was used to define gradable lens opacities, by type. Lens changes also included prior cataract surgery or cataract too advanced to grade. Associations with risk factors were evaluated in logistic regression analyses. Results. 1800 individuals were identified with any lens changes in at least one eye. Of these, 229 had nuclear opacities only and 851 had cortical opacities only. The regular use of nutritional supplements was lower in those with any lens changes (15.7%), nuclear only (14.9%) or cortical only (16.5%) opacities than in those without opacities (24.2%). Cod liver oil and multivitamins were the most common types of supplements used in the BES population, while regular intake of individual vitamin supplements was very infrequent. In logistic regression analyses, regular users of nutritional supplements were less likely to have any lens changes (Odds Ratio=0.78), and cortical opacities (OR=0.77). Statistically significant associations with nutritional supplements were seen in persons <70 years of age, but not at older ages. Among those younger than 70 years, the lowest odds ratios were for use of multivitamins (p-values <0.1). Conclusions. In this AfroCaribbean population, the findings suggest that regular users of nutritional supplements have one-fourth lower risk of lens changes, particularly for cortical opacities, a result seen at ages under 70 years. Only the association with this potentially modifiable risk factor needs further evaluation.