Statin use increases likelihood of cataracts

An increased risk of developing cataracts has been linked to use of prescription statin drugs. Statins are commonly prescribed to patients to help control cholesterol levels. The results of the study are published in the current edition of Optometry and Vision Science. Researchers evaluated 6,400 cataract patients who were being treated at the University of Waterloo between 2007 and 2008. Both diabetes status and statin use were eyed as possible risk factors for cataracts. Researchers accounted for other factors including cigarette use, hypertension and gender and discovered that statin users had a 57 percent increased risk for developing cataracts. In addition, the statin users were more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. It was also noted that diabetic patients who took statins developed cataract a full 5.6 years earlier than those who didn't have diabetes or take statins. Researchers caution that statin patients should consult with their doctor any concerns they may have about statin use.*