Objectives. To review the contribution of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) to understanding
the genetic and lifestyle factors that influence the risk of cataract, age-related
macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Methods. We performed a narrative review of the publications of the NHS between
1976 and 2016.
Results. The NHS has helped to elucidate the roles of genetics, lifestyle factors (e.g.,
cigarette smoking associated with cataract extraction and age-related macular degeneration),
medical conditions (e.g., diabetes associated with cataract extraction and
glaucoma), and dietary factors (e.g., greater carotenoid intake and lower glycemic diet
associated with lower risk of age-related macular degeneration) in the etiology of degree
and progression of lens opacities, cataract extraction, age-related macular degeneration,
primary open-angle glaucoma, and exfoliation glaucoma.
Conclusions. The findings from the NHS, combined with those of other studies,
have provided compelling evidence to support public health recommendations for
helping to prevent age-related eye diseases: abstinence from cigarette smoking,
maintenance of healthy weight and diabetes prevention, and a healthy diet rich in
fruits and vegetables. (Am J Public Health. 2016;106:1684–1689. doi:10.2105/
AJPH.2016.303317)