Study finds cholesterol drugs may increase risk of age-related eye disease

By Hubert Vigilla

Published on January 19, 2006

The data was collected by the Cardiovascular Health Study. The study analyzed 2,755 subjects age 65 and older. Eye exams found that 390 subjects had AMD.

Investigators from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reviewed the data from the Cardiovascular Health Study and found that after accounting for behavioral, medical, and demographic factors, statins increased the likelihood of AMD by 13 percent. After further adjustments for gender, race, and age, researchers found "a modest trend" of increased risk of approximately 40 percent.

Several past studies have examined the link between AMD and statins. Some researchers have theorized that AMD is caused by a hardening of the arteries, thus statins would be protective and preventative.

The observational studies, including the recent data analysis, have garnered inconclusive results. Investigators state that further studies will help determine if there is a link between cholesterol-lowering drugs and AMD.

Comment on this article →