PubMed ID: 9678417
Author(s): Klein BE, Klein R, Lee KE. Renal function abnormalities and incident cataract after a five-year interval: The Beaver Dam Eye Study. Curr Eye Res. 1998 Jul;17(7):720-5.
Journal: Current Eye Research, Volume 17, Issue 7, Jul 1998
PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between renal function abnormalities and incidence of age-related cataract.
METHODS In a population-based epidemiologic study of age-related eye disease, cataract was classified based on lens photographs. Standard methods of grading were used. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and gross proteinuria were measured using standard protocols.
RESULTS Cortical cataract was associated with increased BUN, but after controlling for age, this relationship was no longer significant. In those with diabetes, elevated BUN or elevated creatinine was associated with increased odds of posterior subcapsular cataract, but these relationships were not significant.
CONCLUSION Renal function abnormalities were not significantly associated with incidence of cataract after controlling for age and gender. However, the power to test these associations was limited. Further longitudinal follow-up of this cohort as well as other studies designed to evaluate these associations are needed.