Statins and the risk of cataracts

This study examined whether the use of statins affects the risk of developing cataracts.

Cataract is a leading cause of poor vision and blindness, particularly in the elderly.  Cataract is defined as clouding over the lens of the eye. This clouding leads to vision loss and eventual, as cataract worsens, blindness. Cataract is believed to be caused by the natural aging process, as the proteins of the lens breakdown over time. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are believed to speed up this process.

Statins are a class of drugs which lower cholesterol levels, and are commonly prescribed to patients with coronary artery disease or to patients at an increased risk for heart attacks. Statins also protect cells from damage due to inflammation and oxidants (harmful molecules in the body). This has led researchers to believe that statins may also help in lowering the risk of developing cataracts.

This study compared the medical records of 13,626 statin users, and 32,623 non statin users, to determine if statin use affects the risk of developing cataracts. 73.5% of patients using statins were found to be taking simvastatin (Zocor). Overall, statin users showed a 27% increased risk of developing cataracts compared to patients not receiving statins. Longer statin use was associated with a greater risk of cataracts. When patients at an increased risk of developing cataracts (such as patients with high blood pressure or diabetes) were removed from the analysis, the risk of cataracts among statin users was increased by 43%.

This study concluded that statin use increases the risk of developing cataracts. Extended use of statins is associated with an increased risk.

Consult with your physician regarding the risks and benefits of statin therapy, and how to reduce the risk of developing cataracts.