Anti-Depressants Linked to Cataracts


Using anti-depressants or a drug used to treat Parkinson's could increase the risk of developing cataracts, researchers claim. Experts warn that serotonin the so-called 'happy hormone' in anti-depressants, may affect receptors in the eye that could make the lens opaque and speed up the formation of cataracts. The research, published in the journal Ophthalmology, suggests that using the medication could make patients up to 39% more likely to develop the potentially blinding eye condition.

Researchers at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute in Canada studied the eye health of 19,000 elderly people who were prescribed the anti-depressant SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). The researchers found that the using the medication increased the risk of developing cataracts between 15-39%. The team also found that using a popular Parkinson's medication could also cause the corneas to swell and impair vision.

Experts currently believe that up to 22,000 people could have developed the eye disease by increasing their cataract risk through exposure to serotonin. The news has sparked concern as growing levels of seniors are becoming depressed as they feel increasingly isolated and alone. Researchers hope that their findings will be able to help protect the eyesight of this vulnerable group.

2nd June 2010

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