---
title: Vegetarian Diet Reduces the Risk of Cataracts
description: Research at Oxford University in England reveals that a diet with no meat products may offer nutrients that protect against the formation of cataract
image: http://www.mastereyeassociates.com/Portals/60407/images/Cataract%20diagram%20cross%20section%20of%20the%20eye-resized-600.png
---

[![Logo no 7 days Master Eye Associates-Transparency Better Size](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20no%207%20days%20Master%20Eye%20Associates-Transparency%20Better%20Size.png?width=4091&name=Logo%20no%207%20days%20Master%20Eye%20Associates-Transparency%20Better%20Size.png "Logo no 7 days Master Eye Associates-Transparency Better Size")](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/)

[Schedule Online](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/schedule-eye-exam?hsCtaTracking=cf08c13a-ba88-4194-8fc1-499d087dfa10%7C86eaa6da-1091-47eb-b8c0-e244e6e750d2)

Search

# Vegetarian Diet Reduces the Risk of Cataracts

[Cataracts and Diet](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataracts-and-diet), [Vegetarian Diet](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/vegetarian-diet), [Cataracts and Meat Eaters](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataracts-and-meat-eaters), [Cataract Risk](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataract-risk)

by [Dr. J. R. Lacey, Therapeutic Optometrist](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/author/dr-j-r-lacey-therapeutic-optometrist) on April 2, 2026

## Vegetarian Diet Reduces the Risk of Cataracts

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

# Study Shows Cataract Risk Can be Lowered by 40%

Research at Oxford University in England reveals that a diet with no meat products may offer nutrients that protect against the formation of [cataracts](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/cataracts-eye-problems-cataract-surgery/).

The study* followed over 27,000 non-[diabetic](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/diabetes-diabetic-retinopathy/) patients over the age of 40 and their![cataract risk reduced by vegetarian diet](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/Portals/60407/images/Cataract%20diagram%20cross%20section%20of%20the%20eye-resized-600.png?width=161&height=158&name=Cataract%20diagram%20cross%20section%20of%20the%20eye-resized-600.png "cataract risk reduced by vegetarian diet") dietary habits during the 1990’s.  Then their medical records were monitored for the development of cataracts in 2008 and 2009.  There was a positive relationship between cataracts and diet with a progressive decrease in cataracts when less meat was consumed.

When compared to High Meat Eaters (those who ate 3.5 or more ounces of meat daily) there was less risk for:

                Moderate Meat Eaters (1.7-3.4 ounces of meat daily)      4% less risk of developing cataracts

                Low Meat Eaters (less than 1.7 ounces of meat daily)     15% less risk of developing cataracts

                Fish eaters (ate fish but no meat)                                   21% less risk of developing cataracts

                Vegetarians                                                                 30% less risk of developing cataracts

                Vegans                                                                       40% less risk of developing cataracts

 

It is worth noting that the study shows that eating meat does not promote the formation of cataracts, but rather that a vegetarian diet simply provides protection against the formation of cataracts.  Additionally, there is speculation that vegetarians may practice other healthy lifestyle behavior that also assists in reducing the risk of cataracts.  There was no explanation of specific nutrients that may have contributed to the lower risk.  

Cataracts can lead to severe vision loss and legal blindness if not treated. Fortunately there are effective [treatments for cataracts ](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-diseases-treatments/cataract-treatments/)including cataract surgery using lasers.                   

 

* Appleby PN, Allen NE, Key TJ. Diet, vegetarianism, and cataract risk. Am Journal Clinical Nutrition. 2011;93(5):1128-35.

 Topics: [Cataracts and Diet](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataracts-and-diet), [Vegetarian Diet](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/vegetarian-diet), [Cataracts and Meat Eaters](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataracts-and-meat-eaters), [Cataract Risk](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataract-risk)

Related

[ Vegetarian Diet Reduces the Risk of Cataracts](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/vegetarian-diet-reduces-the-risk-of-cataracts)

April 2, 2026

### About Eye Care News

Eye Care News features important topics regarding eye care health.  Over one-hundred eye care posts have been published, providing our readers with a great resource for timely news about eye care.

### Subscribe to Email Updates

### Our Most Popular Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Eye Physicians (7)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-physicians)
- [Contact Lenses (4)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/contact-lenses)
- [Glaucoma (4)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma)
- [Contact Lens Exam (3)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/contact-lens-exam)
- [Contacts (3)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/contacts)
- [Contact Lens Discomfort (2)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/contact-lens-discomfort)
- [Eye Care Appointment (2)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-care-appointment)
- [Eye Care Options (2)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-care-options)
- [Eye Care Services (2)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-care-services)
- [Glaucoma Treatment (2)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-treatment)
- [Red Eye (2)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/red-eye)
- [Soft Contact Lenses (2)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/soft-contact-lenses)
- [1-Day ACUVUE TruEye (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/1-day-acuvue-trueye)
- [1-Day Disposable Soft Lenses (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/1-day-disposable-soft-lenses)
- [2 Week Disposables (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/2-week-disposables)
- [Accuracy Guaranteed (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/accuracy-guaranteed)
- [Aflibercept (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/aflibercept)
- [AirOptix Night & Day (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/airoptix-night-day)
- [Arcus (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/arcus)
- [Arcus Senilis (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/arcus-senilis)
- [Atherosclerosis (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/atherosclerosis)
- [Avaira Recall (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/avaira-recall)
- [Avaira Soft Lenses (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/avaira-soft-lenses)
- [Avastin (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/avastin)
- [Bausch & Lomb (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/bausch-lomb)
- [Biofinity (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/biofinity)
- [Biotrue (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/biotrue)
- [Blepharospasm (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/blepharospasm)
- [Bob Costas' Eye Infection (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/bob-costas-eye-infection)
- [Botox (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/botox)
- [Cataract Risk (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataract-risk)
- [Cataract Surgery (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataract-surgery)
- [Cataracts and Diet (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataracts-and-diet)
- [Cataracts and Meat Eaters (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cataracts-and-meat-eaters)
- [Central Retina (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/central-retina)
- [Choroidal Melanoma (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/choroidal-melanoma)
- [Choroidal Nevus (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/choroidal-nevus)
- [Conjunctivitis (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/conjunctivitis)
- [Contact Lens Dry Eyes (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/contact-lens-dry-eyes)
- [Contact Lens Recall (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/contact-lens-recall)
- [Contact Lens Solution (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/contact-lens-solution)
- [Cooper Vision (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cooper-vision)
- [Cooper Vision Recall (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cooper-vision-recall)
- [Cornea (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/cornea)
- [Corneal Arcus (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/corneal-arcus)
- [Corneal Dystrophy (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/corneal-dystrophy)
- [Corneal Thickness (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/corneal-thickness)
- [Crystalens (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/crystalens)
- [Crystalens AO (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/crystalens-ao)
- [Dailies Total 1 Water Gradient Contact Lenses (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/dailies-total-1-water-gradient-contact-lenses)
- [Daily Disposable Soft Lenses (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/daily-disposable-soft-lenses)
- [Dermatochalasis (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/dermatochalasis)
- [Disposable Contacts (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/disposable-contacts)
- [Disposable Soft Lenses (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/disposable-soft-lenses)
- [Droopy Eyelids (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/droopy-eyelids)
- [Dry Eye (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/dry-eye)
- [Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/epidemic-keratoconjunctivitis)
- [Exercise (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/exercise)
- [Extended Wear Contacts (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/extended-wear-contacts)
- [Eye Diseases (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-diseases)
- [Eye Disorders (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-disorders)
- [Eye Herpes (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-herpes)
- [Eye Pain (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-pain)
- [Eye Pressure (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-pressure)
- [Eye Problem (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-problem)
- [Eye Problems (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-problems)
- [Eye Twitch (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-twitch)
- [Eye Twitching Treatment (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eye-twitching-treatment)
- [Eyelashes (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eyelashes)
- [Eyelid Fatty Deposits (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eyelid-fatty-deposits)
- [Eyelid Growth (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eyelid-growth)
- [Eyelid Twitch (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eyelid-twitch)
- [Eyelid Twitching (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eyelid-twitching)
- [Eylea (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/eylea)
- [Focus Night & Day Contacts (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/focus-night-day-contacts)
- [Freckle On The Retina (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/freckle-on-the-retina)
- [Future of Cataract Surgery (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/future-of-cataract-surgery)
- [Glaucoma Eye Doctors Austin (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-eye-doctors-austin)
- [Glaucoma Eye Surgery (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-eye-surgery)
- [Glaucoma Laser Surgery (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-laser-surgery)
- [Glaucoma Medicine (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-medicine)
- [Glaucoma Risk Factors (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-risk-factors)
- [Glaucoma Specialists Austin (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-specialists-austin)
- [Glaucoma Surgery (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glaucoma-surgery)
- [Glenn Beck's Eyes (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/glenn-becks-eyes)
- [Headstand (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/headstand)
- [Herpes Eye Infection (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/herpes-eye-infection)
- [Herpes Keratitis (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/herpes-keratitis)
- [Herpes Simplex (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/herpes-simplex)
- [Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/herpes-zoster-ophthalmicus)
- [Intraocular Lens Implants (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/intraocular-lens-implants)
- [Laser Cataract Surgery (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/laser-cataract-surgery)
- [Latisse (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/latisse)
- [Lipid Deposits (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/lipid-deposits)
- [Longer Eyelashes (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/longer-eyelashes)
- [Lucentis (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/lucentis)
- [Macula (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/macula)
- [Macular Corneal Dystrophy (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/macular-corneal-dystrophy)
- [Macular Degeneration (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/macular-degeneration)
- [Macular Degeneration Treatment (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/macular-degeneration-treatment)
- [Multi-Purpose Solution (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/multi-purpose-solution)
- [Myokymia (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/myokymia)
- [Myopia (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/myopia)
- [Nearsighted (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/nearsighted)
- [Nevus (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/nevus)
- [Pachymetry (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/pachymetry)
- [Pink Eye (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/pink-eye)
- [Pink Eye Causes (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/pink-eye-causes)
- [Pink Eye Symptoms (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/pink-eye-symptoms)
- [Pink Eye Treatment (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/pink-eye-treatment)
- [Premium IOLs (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/premium-iols)
- [Puffy Eyelid (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/puffy-eyelid)
- [Quinine (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/quinine)
- [Refractive Lens Implants (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/refractive-lens-implants)
- [Ring Around My Eye (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/ring-around-my-eye)
- [SLT (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/slt)
- [Saggy Eyelid (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/saggy-eyelid)
- [Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/selective-laser-trabeculoplasty)
- [Severe Pink Eye (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/severe-pink-eye)
- [Shingles (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/shingles)
- [Shingles Eye Infection (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/shingles-eye-infection)
- [Sleeping in Contact Lenses (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/sleeping-in-contact-lenses)
- [Slowing Myopia (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/slowing-myopia)
- [Slowing Nearsightedness (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/slowing-nearsightedness)
- [Thicker Eyelashes (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/thicker-eyelashes)
- [Tumor In The Eye (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/tumor-in-the-eye)
- [UV Absorbing Contact Lenses (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/uv-absorbing-contact-lenses)
- [Vegetarian Diet (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/vegetarian-diet)
- [Vision Problems (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/vision-problems)
- [Xanthelasma (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/xanthelasma)
- [Yoga (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/yoga)
- [Zostavax (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/zostavax)
- [iStent (1)](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/topic/istent)

[see all](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-care-news-blog/vegetarian-diet-reduces-the-risk-of-cataracts#)

### Recent Posts

[![Master Eye Associates](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Master%20Eye%20Associates%20-PNG%20with%20transparency.png?width=300&name=Master%20Eye%20Associates%20-PNG%20with%20transparency.png "Master Eye Associates")](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/)

#### Eye Care Resources

- [Eye Diseases & Treatments](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-disorders)
- [Eyeglasses](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eyeglasses)
- [Contacts](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/contact-lenses)
- [LASIK](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/laser-eye-surgery)
- [Download Patient Forms](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/patient-forms)

#### Contact Us

- [North Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-north-austin)
- [Central Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-central-austin)
- [South Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-south-austin)
- [Cedar Park](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-cedar-park)
- [Round Rock](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-round-rock)
- [Bee Cave](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-bee-cave)
- [Southeast Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-south-austin-southpark-meadows)

#### Follow Us!

[![Master Eye Associates Facebook](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/facebook-logo-png-white-i6.png?width=30&height=30&name=facebook-logo-png-white-i6.png)](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master+Eye+Associates/110023229047560) [![Master Eye Associates Google Plus](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/google-plus-icon-white.png?width=30&height=30&name=google-plus-icon-white.png)](https://plus.google.com/102286101415714881353) [![Master Eye Associates Twitter](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/twitter2.png?width=30&height=30&name=twitter2.png)](https://twitter.com/MasterEyeAssoc) [![Master Eye Associates YouTube](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/white-youtube-logo-png-ID-d568aaea-aaf9-4f4b-c206-a7dec7b85acb.png?width=30&height=30&name=white-youtube-logo-png-ID-d568aaea-aaf9-4f4b-c206-a7dec7b85acb.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaCgsfhyE0cNOTmSGSWribg)

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only. The information on this website is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease(s). Only a licensed doctor can diagnose or treat disease. No information on this website has been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.