Is there evidence of an estrogen effect on age-related lens opacities? The Beaver Dam Eye Study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a possible association between estrogen and lens opacities.


METHODS
A prevalence survey of age-related eye disease.


METHODS
Beaver Dam, Wis.


METHODS
A total community sample of persons 43 through 84 years of age at the time of a private census were recruited for examination, medical history, and photographs of the lenses of the eyes. Data from women are included in this report.


METHODS
Photographs were graded by protocol for the presence and severity of age-related lens opacities.


RESULTS
Current use of postmenopausal estrogens was associated with a decreased risk of more severe nuclear sclerosis. Younger age at menarche was also associated with a protective effect regarding nuclear sclerosis. Older age at menopause was associated with a decreased risk of cortical opacities.


CONCLUSIONS
These data are suggestive of a modest protective effect of estrogen exposure on the lenses of women. Further evaluation of this may be possible in studies currently under way in which postmenopausal estrogens are being tested for other (protective) effects.
Klein
B E
BE
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison.
Klein
R
R
Ritter
L L
LL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014922:Wisconsin / Q000453:epidemiology
D004967:Estrogens