Statins Associated with Increased Risk for Cataracts

By Amy Orciari Herman

Statin use may be associated with increased risk for cataracts, according to a retrospective study in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Using data from a military healthcare system, researchers matched some 7000 statin users with 7000 nonusers according to 44 variables, including age, obesity, and diabetes status. Statin use was defined as filling a statin prescription for at least 90 days between October 2004 and September 2005. Outcomes were assessed until March 2010.

Overall, statin use was associated with a significant, 9% increase in cataract incidence. In an analysis limited to patients without comorbidities, the increase in risk was higher, at 20%.

Asked to comment, NEJM Journal Watch's JoAnne Foody said: "Data on whether statins increase risk for cataracts remain inconclusive and conflicting. For now clinicians should continue to weigh individual patient ... benefits and potential harms in determining whether statins are the right choice for a given patient."