Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin E (including vitamin E acetate) has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or preventing cataracts due to its antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to the development of cataracts, and antioxidants like vitamin E theoretically could help by neutralizing free radicals in the eye’s lens. Several observational studies have found an association between higher dietary intake or serum levels of vitamin E and a lower risk of cataract formation. However, randomized controlled trials have generally not demonstrated a significant benefit of vitamin E supplementation in preventing or slowing the progression of cataracts in most populations.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2, large multicenter trials, included vitamin E in their antioxidant formulations but did not find a significant reduction in cataract risk attributable to vitamin E. Other controlled trials and meta-analyses have reached similar conclusions, indicating that while vitamin E is an important antioxidant, supplementation has not been conclusively shown to prevent or treat cataracts.

In summary, there is some scientific rationale and observational support for vitamin E’s role in eye health, but interventional evidence is weak and inconsistent. The use of vitamin E for cataracts is best rated as having limited scientific support (evidence level 2/5), and its supplementation is not universally recommended for cataract prevention or treatment.

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