Mixed Lens Opacities and Subsequent Mortality

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Abstract
THE POSSIBILITY that changes in the lens may be a harbinger of early mortality has intrigued researchers since observations on "premature aging" in persons with cataract were made.1 Results of studies2-12 have shown an association between increased risk of mortality and cataract (lens opacities whose definition included visual disability), lens opacities (specifically nuclear opacity), and cataract extraction. The association remains after age and sex adjustments, although some have found the relationship only in persons without diabetes while others have found a strong association in those with diabetes.3,4,7-10 Few studies have examined data on cause of death to determine whether cause-specific mortality differs in persons with vs without cataract. A study8 of an elderly nondiabetic population in Great Britain found cardiovascular disease to be correlated with increased mortality in those with cataract, as did a study12 of patients who underwent cataract surgery.