Statins and risk of cataracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Two previous meta-analyses evaluated the risk of cataracts associated with statins, but did not include relevant studies suggesting a cataractogenic effect.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies is to evaluate such association considering the latest published evidence.

A literature search was conducted to identify observational, comparative studies evaluating the risk of developing cataracts in patients treated with statins. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Results were stratified according to the following studies' subgroups: design, methodological quality, method of diagnosis of cataract, patients' age, and median follow-up. Meta-regressions evaluated the influence of the following risk factors: smoking, hypertension, corticosteroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease.

Twenty-one studies were included. Treatment with statins was associated with an increased risk of cataracts [OR: 1.11 (95% CI: 1.02-1.21); P = 0.017; I²  = 97.5%]. This risk remained statistically significant among case-controls, good methodological quality studies, studies with length of follow-up ≥5 years and those which outcome was cataract surgery. Between-studies heterogeneity was high among all risk estimates. Meta-regressions identified an inverse relationship between the risk of cataracts and the proportion of diabetic patients in the studies.

The results point out an increased risk of cataract development with statins. However, since the magnitude of the effect is low and between-studies heterogeneity is high, the extent in which these results have impact on the benefit/risk ratio of statins is difficult to ascertain due to the uncertainty of the findings.