According to a recent study reported in the journal Ophthalmology, smoking, diabetes and
obesity may increase the risk of cataract surgery in postmenopausal women. The
results of the “UK Million Women Study” included more
than 1.3 million postmenopausal women who had not previously had cataract
surgery. The women were followed for cataracts treated surgically and studies
with powerful statistics to calculate the adjusted relative risks for cataract
surgery in terms of use of hormonal therapies, reproductive history, lifestyle
factors and diabetes treatment. Two percent of women had diabetes, which was
the strongest risk factor for cataract surgery. Additionally, both past and
current smoking was found to elevate the risk for cataract surgery. Obesity,
with a Body Mass Index of 30 kg/m² or greater, was also found to have a small
increase in risk of cataracts treated surgically.
If you or someone you know has been told they have a cataract or is
concerned about cataract symptoms of cloudy vision, glare sensitivity or night
driving problems and wishes to schedule a cataract & lens implant exam
please call
