Incident cataract after a five-year interval and lifestyle factors: the Beaver Dam eye study.
BACKGROUND
A population-based study to investigate risk factors for age-related eye disease was begun in 1987 in a representative American community. Incidence of cataract was subsequently evaluated.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationships of cigarette smoking, alcohol, and caffeine intakes to incidence of age-related cataracts five years later.


METHODS
Observational epidemiologic incidence study of an adult population.


METHODS
Adults 43-84 years of age were identified during a census in 1987-1988, and examined at baseline (1988-1990) and after a five-year interval (1993-1995).


METHODS
Standardized protocols were used at the baseline and follow-up evaluations for exposures and for objective identification of cataracts.


RESULTS
Cumulative incidence of nuclear cataract in right eyes was about 12%, cortical cataract about 8%, and posterior subcapsular cataract about 3%. In multivariable analyses of the general estimating equations type, there were significant associations between nuclear cataract and: pack-years smoked (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01, 1.09 per 10 pack-years); and current alcohol intake (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.02 per 10 grams ethanol/week). Cigarette smokers were more likely to have had cataract surgery in the interval between baseline and follow-up examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with modestly increased risks of incident nuclear cataract over a five-year interval.
Klein
B E
BE
University of Wisconsin Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Madison, WI 53705-2397, USA.
Klein
R E
RE
Lee
K E
KE
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014922:Wisconsin / Q000453:epidemiology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D002110:Caffeine