Cholesterol-lowering Drugs Tied To Reduced Glaucoma Risk

[Mito]

“High cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma, but a new study suggests taking statins to lower cholesterol helps to reduce this risk.”

Cholesterol-lowering drugs tied to reduced glaucoma risk - Reuters

Question What is the association of statin therapy with development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia?

Findings In this cohort study conducted among 37 894 Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia, those taking statins had a lower rate of diabetic retinopathy and need for treatments for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy than those not taking statins. When treatment was required, patients taking statins needed a smaller number of interventions than patients not taking statins.

Meaning These results suggest that statins are associated with a decreased prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and may decrease the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Association of Statin Therapy With Prevention of Vision-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy