Use of inhaled corticosteroids and risk of cataracts: a case-control study

ABSTRACT

Exposure to systemic corticosteroids is known to be associated with a risk of cataract. This study was undertaken to determine the risk of cataract associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in old age. A case-control study consisting of 160 people with cataract [case] and 160 controls matched for age and sex was conducted at Shaheed Sadoughi and Shaheed Rahnemoon hospitals of Yazd. Data gathered via a questionnaire and interview and analyzed by SPSS, Chi Square and ANOVA tests. There was no difference in age and sex between the two groups of case and control. In case group, 22 [13.8%] and in control group 11 [6.9%] persons [total of 33 patients] used inhaled corticosteroids that was statistically significant [P-Value=0.042]. The odds ratio for the association between inhaled corticosteroids and cataract was 2.16 [95% CI 1.01 to 4.61]. After adjustment for systemic corticosteroid exposure, the Odds ratio rose to 4.73 [95% CI 1.51 to 14.82]. The association was stronger with increase in duration of use. This case-control study showed an association between use of inhaled corticosteroids and increased risk of cataract, especially the posterior sub capsular type. But, in order to confirm these findings, other studies including experimental ones and similar groups in respect to other risk factors of cataract are needed