Antidepressants and risk of cataract development: A population-based, nested case-control study.
Po-Han Chou1, Che-Sheng Chu2, Yi-Huei Chen3
1Department of Psychiatry, Taichung Veterans General hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Photonics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 26, 2017
Summary
Continuous use of antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs, is linked to a higher risk of developing cataracts. Regular eye check-ups are recommended for patients on these medications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous research indicated a potential link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and increased cataract risk.
- The association between other antidepressant classes and cataract development remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between antidepressant use and cataract development.
- To examine the relationship between serotonin transporter (SERT) binding affinities of antidepressants and cataract risk.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study utilized Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.
- 14,288 patients were analyzed, categorizing antidepressant exposure by type, duration, and SERT binding affinities.
- Conditional logistic regression assessed the association between antidepressant use and cataract development.
Main Results:
- Continuous use of SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other antidepressants was associated with a significantly increased risk of cataracts.
- Specific antidepressants like fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and venlafaxine showed significant associations with higher cataract risk.
- Antidepressant users with intermediate SERT binding affinities exhibited a notably elevated risk of cataract development.
Conclusions:
- Continuous antidepressant use is associated with an increased risk of cataract development.
- Regular ophthalmological evaluations are advisable for individuals using antidepressants.
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