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Some have raised concerns that use of lipid-lowering drugs might increase the risk for developing cataracts. These researchers conducted a longitudinal study of 1299 people in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, who were cataract-free at baseline and underwent three consecutive eye exams during a 10-year period (mean age at the third exam, 63). Most of the 270 patients who reported regular statin use were taking atorvastatin or simvastatin.
The 5-year incidence of nuclear cataracts was significantly lower among statin users than nonusers (12% vs. 17%), a difference that persisted after adjustment for age, sex, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and smoking status (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39–0.93). Statin use was not associated with reduced incidence of co…