2006/03/23 by D C Gritz, David C. Gritz, Muthiah Srinivasan +20 · 90 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Antioxidant #Biochemistry #Cataracts #Connexins and lens biology #Environmental health #Internal medicine #Medicine #Ocular Infections and Treatments #Ophthalmology #Ophthalmology and Visual Impairment Studies #Pathology #Placebo #Population #Visual acuity
paper · pdf · doi:10.1136/bjo.2005.088104
published in British Journal of Ophthalmology 90(7), 847-851 (BMJ)
openalex publication_date 2006/03/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
AIM: To determine if antioxidant supplements (beta carotene and vitamins C and E) can decrease the progression of cataract in rural South India. METHODS: The Antioxidants in Prevention of Cataracts (APC) Study was a 5 year, randomised, triple masked, placebo controlled, field based clinical trial to assess the ability of interventional antioxidant supplements to slow cataract progression. The primary outcome variable was change in nuclear opalescence over time. Secondary outcome variables were cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities and nuclear colour changes; best corrected visual acuity change; myopic shift; and failure of treatment. Annual examinations were performed for each subject by three examiners, in a masked fashion. Multivariate modelling using a general estimating equation was used for analysis of results, correcting for multiple measurements over time. RESULTS: Initial enrolment was 798 subjects. Treatment groups were comparable at baseline. There was high compliance with follow up and study medications. There was progression in cataracts. There was no significant difference between placebo and active treatment groups for either the primary or secondary outcome variables. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant supplementation with beta carotene, vitamins C and E did not affect cataract progression in a population with a high prevalence of cataract whose diet is generally deficient in antioxidants.