Brightly colored birds, like the above Robin, were found to have more cataracts in a study published by Dr. Ismael Galvan of Paris-Sud University.  Dr. Galvan and his researchers discovered this fact after looking at over 80 species of birds. Dr. Galvan told BBC, "pheomelanin generates red colouration, like the throat colour of barn swallows, but also orange-chestnut colourations... the production of pheomelanin consumes part of an antioxidant that plays a key role in the protection of lenses from cataracts."

Dr. Galvan hopes that his research will lead to innovations in cataract prevention in other creatures, including humans.

(Via BBC Science)