title: Methodology of the VECAT study: vitamin E intervention in cataract and age-related maculopathy.
abstract: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world today, while age-related macular degeneration is responsible for the majority of new cases of visual impairment in the Western world. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting a role for antioxidant therapy to prevent the progression of these conditions. A 4-year prospective, randomised, controlled trial of an antioxidant versus placebo in a population of healthy volunteers aged 55-80 years at enrolment is described. This paper outlines the primary aims of the Vitamin E, Cataract and Age-related Macular Degeneration (VECAT) Study, the methodology, and the recruitment rates. Additional data on the toxicity and non-ocular effects of vitamin E will also be collected. Standardised clinical grading of macular and lens features, and comparison of serial macular photographs and digital lens photographs will form the basis for assessment of primary study outcomes. Information collected in this study will assist in the assessment of the potential value of antioxidants in preventing the enormous burden imposed on developed communities by age-related eye disease. In addition, important data on prevalence and progression rates of cataract and macular degeneration will be collected.
authors.affiliation: Monash University Medical School Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine Prahran, Australia. sinead.garrett@med.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: McNeil
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Silagy
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Robman
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: McCarty
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tikellis
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014505:Urban Population; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014810:Vitamin E