Two cohort analyses (one in Canada and the other in the US) recently reported an increased relative risk (RR) of cataracts requiring surgery associated with statin use for at least one year. The relative risk in the Canadian cohort was 1.27 and was adjusted for age, time of follow-up, sex, and pre-existing cataract risk (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, steroid or SSRI use). The RR in the US cohort was 1.07.

It is important to note that smoking is a significant risk factor for cataracts and this could not be adjusted for. Another confounder is that some of the risk factors for cataracts are also risk factors for CV disease where statin therapy may be indicated.

However the absolute risk remains low and cataract surgery is effective and well tolerated, so until prospective data are available, current use should be continued, especially in those at high CV risk.