Antidepressants May Increase Risk of Cataracts

Certain antidepressants have been statistically linked with an increased risk of developing cataracts, according to a new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and McGill University.

The study was based upon a database of more than 200,000 Quebec residents aged 65 and older and showed a link between the diagnosis of cataracts or cataract surgery and a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Those patients who were taking an SSRI were overall 15% more likely to be diagnosed with cataracts or to have cataract surgery.

The risk with individual SSRIs varied considerably, however. Those taking Luvox had a 51% increased risk of having cataract surgery, while taking Prozac, Celexa or Zoloft was not associated at all with having the surgery.

This study is the first to identify a statistical link between these antidepressants and cataracts in humans, although previous animal studies had shown that SSRIs could increase cataract risk.

The authors note that this study does not prove causation, only that there is a statistical link between the two. They further note that the study was unable to account for smoking - which is a known risk factor for cataracts - and additional studies are needed to confirm their findings.

The authors do not believe that this study should be cause for concern. "When you look at the trade-off of these drugs," said lead author Dr. Mahyar Etminan, "the benefits of treating depression - which can be life-threatening - still outweigh the risk of developing cataracts, which are treatable and relatively benign."

The study appears in the March 8 issue of Ophthalmology.