Cholesterol drugs found to decrease the risk of cataracts in men

February 10, 2010

Although individuals may be taking the cholesterol medication to benefit their heart health, keep their health in check, they may also be reducing their risk of developing cataracts.

A new study from Tel Aviv University has discovered that statins, which is a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, can reduce the risk of cataracts in men by nearly 40 percent.

The study examined 180,000 patients between 1998 and 2007, and after observing men between the ages of 45 and 54, found that the risk for developing cataracts decreased by 38 percent. It was found in the female test subjects that there was an 18 percent lower risk.

"It seems that they protect the eye from inflammation and ocular nerve cells from a process of oxidization," said Dr Gabriel Chodick. "But ours is the first study to show such a strong association in such a large population."

According to the American Optometric Association, cataracts typically develop in people over the age of 55. Individuals who suffer from the eye diseases can either wear prescription eyeglasses or have surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.