Arthritis as a risk factor for cataract: Evidence from NHANES data and Mendelian randomization

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Rheumatology
• Genetics and Epidemiology

Background:

• The link between cataract and arthritis requires further investigation.
• Understanding systemic inflammation's impact on ocular health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between arthritis and cataract using epidemiological and genetic data.
• To determine if rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causally influences cataract development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (1999-2008).
• Employed logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors machine learning, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
• Conducted sensitivity analyses including Steiger filtering for MR robustness.

Main Results:

• Logistic regression indicated arthritis is a significant risk factor for cataracts (OR > 1, P < .05).
• Machine learning identified arthritis as the 3rd most important predictor among 13 variables.
• MR analysis revealed a significant causal effect of RA on cataract (OR = 1.025, P < .01).

Conclusions:

• Arthritis, particularly RA, is a novel risk factor for cataract.
• Findings support early screening and anti-inflammatory strategies for high-risk populations.
• This multi-method study advances understanding of systemic inflammation in ocular diseases.