Statin use linked to small increase in cataracts risk

Conclusion This research using a large cohort of people from a military healthcare system finds that overall, use of statins for over 90 days was associated with a slight increase in a person’s risk of developing cataracts. Further analyses suggested that the risk was higher among people who did not have any additional diseases. From this the researchers suggest that risk may be higher when statins are given for what is called primary prevention, i.e. given to people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease but who have not yet suffered any cardiovascular disease events such as a heart attack or stroke. The study has strengths in its large sample size, and careful attempts to match statin users with non-users for a wide range of factors that may be associated with risk of cardiovascular disease and risk of cataract development. Limitations of the study include that the researchers were not able to provide analysis according to specific type of statin or dose used. So they could not say whether the risk might vary according to these factors. Another limitation is that the study relied on medical and prescription records, which may miss some un-diagnosed cases or give detailed information about the level of impact on vision. It should be noted that all medications carry some risk of side effects. Statins have been associated with various possible side effects, the main important one being the rare risk of muscle weakness. Some prior research has also suggested a link w...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medication Older people Heart/lungs Source Type: news