Cataracts and Osteoporosis Risk: What’s the Connection?

Cataracts are associated with an increased risk of both osteoporosis and fractures, according to the results of a recent study.

In order to examine this association, the researchers conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study involving 57,972 individuals with and 57,972 without cataracts.

The participants were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and index year. Participants with cataracts were divided based on whether they had undergone cataract surgery.

Over a mean follow-up of 6.4 years, 17,450 participants with cataracts and 12,627 without developed osteoporosis or fractures. Those with cataracts were at a significantly higher risk of developing osteoporosis or fracture (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.29). Specifically, cataract was associated with higher risk of osteoporosis (aHR = 1.43), hip fracture (aHR = 1.16), vertebral fracture (aHR = 1.25), and other fractures (aHR = 1.24).

However, those who underwent cataract surgery had a significantly lower risk of osteoporosis or fracture compared with those who did not undergo surgery (aHR = 0.58).

“Cataract was independently associated with increased risks of osteoporosis and fracture. There might be an association between cataract surgery and lower risks of osteoporosis and fracture.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Huang H, Lin S, Loh C, et al. Association between cataract and risks of osteoporosis and fracture: a nationwide cohort study [published online October 3, 2018]. JAGS. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15626.