Some anti-depressant drugs are associated with with an increased risk of developing cataracts, has been found jointly by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and McGill University.
The study, based on a database of more than 200,000 Quebec residents aged 65 and older, showed statistical relationships between a diagnosis of cataracts or cataract surgery and the class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as well as between cataracts and specific drugs within that class.
New Study Provides More Insight into Cataracts
A new study appearing online in JBC provides more insight into cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the elderly.
A new study appearing online in JBC provides more insight into cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the elderly.
The study could not account for the possibility of smoking - which is a risk factor for cataracts - and additional population-based studies are needed to confirm these findings, the researchers say.
This study of statistical relationships is the first to establish a link between this class of drugs and cataracts in humans.
Airlines Pilot At Heightened Risk Of Having Cataracts
This is the condition of clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The condition is quite common in people at the age of 65 years or more. Severe cataract can cause total vision impairment.
This is the condition of clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The condition is quite common in people at the age of 65 years or more. Severe cataract can cause total vision impairment.
"When you look at the trade-offs of these drugs, the benefits of treating depression - which can be life-threatening - still outweigh the risk of developing cataracts, which are treatable and relatively benign," said Mahyar Etminan, lead author of the article, a scientist and clinical pharmacist at the Center for Clinical Epidemiology at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and an assistant professor in the Dept. of Medicine at UBC.
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Important Information Revealed About Cataracts by Indian Researcher
A research team led by an Indian scientist has throwing light on the disease by showing that a small piece of a normal protein turns toxic during the aging process.
A research team led by an Indian scientist has throwing light on the disease by showing that a small piece of a normal protein turns toxic during the aging process.
The study has been published online in the journal Ophthalmology.
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Advances in Treatment of Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the eye's lens becomes cloudy and obstructs the passage of light to the retina. These obstructions can lead to vision loss.
Cataracts occur when the eye's lens becomes cloudy and obstructs the passage of light to the retina. These obstructions can lead to vision loss.
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