Researchers used large-scale genotyping and exome sequencing from the UK Biobank to gain insight into the expected effects of long-term statin use on cataract risk. The analysis found that common genetic variants in more than 402,000 people, who were not taking statins, that mimic the effects of LDL-cholesterol lowering statins are associated with a higher risk of cataracts and cataract surgery. They also found that rare genetic mutations in 169,172 people, mimicking statin treatment, increased the risk of developing cataracts by nearly five times.
