Australian researchers have reported that people whose diets are high in salt may be increasing their risk of developing cataracts.

The study stated that people who consume the highest amounts of sodium are twice as likely as those consuming the lowest amounts to develop posterior subcapsular cataracts. Dr. Robert G. Cumming of the University of Sydney and his colleagues examined almost 3,000 adults, ages 49 to 97. These subjects filled out a food frequency questionnaire. Overall, 160 participants had posterior subcapsular cataracts, and 970 had one of the two other types not associated with sodium intake.

The study found that participants with higher salt intake were also more likely to have other conditions that increase the risk of cataracts, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or were more likely to have used corticosteroids. Even after Dr. Cumming and his colleagues took these factors into account, there was still a link between cataracts and salt intake. They note that other studies in humans and in animals have also reported a relationship between salt intake and cataracts.

Dr. Cumming concluded, "A reduced salt diet may help prevent cataracts in older adults."