Researchers from the University of South Australia have conducted a recent study which suggests that a diet consisting of colourful fruits and vegetables could substantially delay the onset of age-related cataracts.

The research concluded that foods with high levels of antioxidants may reduce the risk of age-related cataracts. Recommended fruits and vegetables to consume include carrots, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli. These foods are beneficial due to the vitamins and carotenoid pigments they are made up of.

The impact of cataracts is a global issue with people experiencing poorer vision as they age, caused by lens in the eye becoming cloudy. It is estimated that over 45 million people are suffering with age related cataracts. It was believed that the only solution to rectify cataracts was surgery which is expected to have cost society $5.7 billion by 2020.

Research suggests that improving our diets to include colourful fruit and veg could reduce the number of people requiring surgery by half. This would ultimately slash the amount society pays towards eye care bills.

Despite this breakthrough, researchers have made it clear that without major changes to dietary habits the effect of age-related cataracts won’t be lessened. This is because the current consumption levels of antioxidants in a regular diet are well below the necessary amount.

With the population ageing dramatically, urgent action in the form of dietary improvements are needed. This is due to an alarming increase in the number of surgeries being currently required to correct cataracts.