The use of statins may increase the risk of cataract development.. This was suggested by a study published in JAMA Ophtalmol involving more than 46,000 patients.
The results showed that approximately one-third of the patients developed cataracts during the study’s seven-year follow-up period. The increased risk was associated with at least 90 days of lipid-lowering therapy, with cataracts occurring in 35.5% of statin users compared with 33.5% of controls who had not received statin treatment (odds ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.17).
Advanced age and the presence of comorbid conditions known to promote cataract development were also identified as important risk factors.
The findings of this study do not agree with other studies reported in the literature, some of which have suggested that statins may exert a protective antioxidant effect on the lens.
Therefore, additional studies are needed to further clarify and confirm the effects of statins on eye health.