Risk Factors for Cataract
The Lens Opacities Case-Control Study was a case-control study of general ophthalmology outpatients, 40–79 years of age, designed to identify the main risk factors associated with nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular lens opacities. The study identified associations between cataract and low education, a nonprofessional occupation, intake of vitamins and iron, and body mass. Diabetes was a risk factor for all cataract types except nuclear; use of oral steroids was associated with posterior subcapsular cataract, and use of gout medications with mixed cataract. The associations with nutritional intake and use of multivitamin supplements suggested a potential for modifying cataract risk. The study also suggested a role for other potentially modifiable factors, such as use of some medications and smoking.