Of 1,299 subjects evaluated in the latest follow-up exam, 210 had developed nuclear cataracts since the previous follow-up. The incidence of cataracts was significantly lower in subjects who took statins than in those who didn't (12% vs. 17%), the researchers said (JAMA 2006;295:2752–8).
Compared with those who didn't take statins, subjects who took simvastatin had an odds ratio of 0.28 for developing nuclear cataracts, those who took atorvastatin had an odds ratio of 0.73, and those who took all other statins had an odds ratio of 0.67.
Both the duration of statin use and the drug dosage may influence the protective effect against cataracts, but this study was not designed to assess either factor, the researchers noted.