Antidepressants Linked to Cataract Risk

A new study conducted by the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute in Canada has found a surprising association:  certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cataracts in those over 65.

Specifically, the researchers found that some SSRIs can increase the risk of cataracts in those over 65.

For the study, the team, led by Mahyar Etminan analyzed data from 19,000 patients over 65, and compared the results with 190,000 senior men and women who did not take antidepressants.  After analyzing the results, the researchers calculated the elevated risk at 15%.

Three specific SSRIs were implicated in the study:  Luvox, Effexor, and Paxil.  Luvox was associated with a 39% increased risk for cataracts; Effexor and Paxil were linked to a 32% and 23% increased risk, respectively.

In a news release from the Academy of Ophthalmology, Etminan noted that the eye’s lens has serotonin receptors, and that “animal studies have shown that excess serotonin can make the lens opaque and lead to cataract formation.”  The results of the study are being published in the journal Ophthalmology.

In other research, Paxil and Effexor are also making medical news; both SSRIs have been linked to an increased risk in miscarriages up to the 20^th week of gestation.   In that body of research, 5.5% of the women who experienced clinically verifiable miscarriages were taking either Effexor or Paxil. 

Although the team, led by Anick Berard of the University of Montreal, emphasize that more research is needed, they urge pregnant women to discuss the risk of certain SSRIs with their physicians, especially during early pregnancy.

The results of the study are being published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.