Link Between Cataracts and Antidepressants Found

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN, September 22, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A recent study conducted at the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute in Vancouver, British Columbia seems to show a link between people who are using certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and cataracts. Both SSRIs and SNRIs are antidepressant drugs, and are used by roughly ten percent of Americans. The study shows that only current users of these drugs are at risk; past users don't seem to have the same elevated risk.

This is the first study that shows an association between SSRI use and increased risk for cataracts. The most likely drugs where the cataract risk is elevated are fluvoxamine and velafaxine. The drugs cialopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline do not seem to have the same risks.

According to Dr. Francis Price at Price Vision Group, and a member of eyes.com, "Cataracts are more likely to develop in older people, but this study is important because it points to a group of patients to really target when examining their eyes."

Cataract surgery no longer means stitches, needles, or a long recovery, but they do need to be taken care of. Knowing that patients who take antidepressants may be at higher risk of developing them is another important step in keeping high standards of eye health in the U.S.

If you would like more information about cataracts and are in Indianapolis, Indiana, please visit the website of Price Vision Group today. For more information about eye care or vision-related issues, please visit www.eyes.com.

About Price Vision Group

Price Vision Group's doctors are internationally recognized as both doctors and teachers. Areas of expertise include corneal transplantation, LASIK, cataract and glaucoma treatment, and more. Using state-of-the-art technology, Price Vision Group continues to be one of the leading ophthalmology practices in the state of Indiana.

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