A recent Canadian research report (Canadian Journal of Cardiology, December 2014) showed that taking a statin to lower your cholesterol may raise your risk of developing cataracts.
Statin medications such as Zocor, Crestor and Lipitor protect many people from heart attack and stroke. They may raise the odds of developing the vision problems by 27 percent, the researchers report.
But the risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye, is insignificant compared with the benefits of these drugs, said lead researcher Dr. G.B. John Mancini.
“The benefits of statins are far outweighed by any small risk for cataract surgery,” said Mancini, a professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
“However, the indication for statin use should be solid from the outset and fully understood by patients,” he added.
Mancini said this study can’t prove that statins cause cataracts. “Careful observations in clinical trials are needed to support or refute this association,” he said.
Dr. Miriam Anderson with Eyecare Associates of Lees Summit notes that “cataracts eventually occur in everyone if they live to be old enough. However they can be removed with a quick and painless procedure that has over a 99% success rate. “ She says “since you are going to get cataracts anyway it is in your best interest to take your statins and keep your cholesterol at acceptable levels.”
Dr. Anderson also states that this study doesn’t completely answer the question about statin use and cataracts. Other studies have shown there is not an increase in cataracts while using statins. She recommended that no one should stop taking their statins because of a concern about cataracts. Anderson states that in general statins are very safe and effective drugs that can greatly increase the life span for patients at risk for strokes and heart attacks.
Anyone who is interested in being examined for cataracts is welcome to contact Dr. Miriam Anderson at her office at Eyecare Associates of Lees Summit. The office number is 816-524-8900.
