The association between gout and cataract risk: A meta-analysis

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the relationship between gout and age-related cataracts (ARCs).MethodsA comprehensive literature search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify papers on the association between gout and cataract risk that had been published between February 1991 and January 2017. Pooled relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The random-effects model was used instead of the fixed-effects model when heterogeneity was identified, as indicated by a Cochran’s Q statistic P-value <0.10 or I2 index score >50%.ResultsA total of 3 cross-sectional studies and 3 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Gout was significantly associated with increased odds of ARCs (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.27–1.84). In the subgroup analysis, gout exhibited positive associations with the odds of posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSCs, OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.06–2.70) and cortical cataracts (CCs, OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.06–1.81). However, no association was identified between gout and the odds of nuclear cataracts.ConclusionsThe current literature suggested that gout may be associated with increased odds of ARCs, especially PSCs and CCs. Further efforts should be made to confirm these findings and clarify the effect of gout and gout medications on the development of cataracts.

Elevated level of uric acid in aqueous humour is associated with posterior subcapsular cataract in human lens

“…In PSC patients, the concentration of aqueous UA is 2.9‐fold lower than that of serum, which is consistent to the results in previous report 26 . Earlier reports of population‐based studies have also shown an association of elevated serum UA with PSC (OR = 1.14) 19,24 . In this study we have evaluated the local level of UA in patients with non‐PSC and PSC, and shown that increased UA in aqueous humour (OR = 1.45) is more strongly associated with PSC than serum UA (OR = 1.10).…”

“…26 Earlier reports of population-based studies have also shown an association of elevated serum UA with PSC (OR = 1.14). 19,24 In this study we have evaluated the local level of UA in patients with non-PSC and PSC, and shown that increased UA in aqueous humour (OR = 1.45) is more strongly associated with PSC than serum UA (OR = 1.10). These findings, for the first time, reveal a local effect of UA in aqueous humour on PSC.…”

“…Although the aetiology of PSC is unclear, there are reported factors associated with increased risk of developing lens opacities 22,23 . A recent meta‐analysis suggested a positive association of gout with PSC 24 . Gout is a pathologic condition caused by prolonged hyperuricemia, leading to serious painful and even disabling consequences.…”

“…Our major findings include: positive association of gout with PSC. 24 Gout is a pathologic condition caused by prolonged hyperuricemia, leading to serious painful and even disabling consequences.…”

Association Between Medication-Taking and Refractive Error in a Large General Population-Based Cohort

“…Exposure to higher levels of uric acid may cause osmolar changes that, over time, alter the refraction index of the lens through mechanisms similar to those described before for diabetes. 44 Gout 45 (but not allopurinol 44 ) may be associated with age-related cataract, which can cause SpE changes, 46 but our MR analyses were underpowered for this condition and could not detect any relationship between hyperuricemia and SpE. Also, the relationship between SpE and ipratropium, a drug commonly prescribed against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, remains unexplained.…”