Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is strong risk factor for acquired color vision impairment in young to middle-aged Japanese men: the Okubo Color Study Report 2.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate associations between blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the prevalence of acquired color vision impairment (ACVI) in middle-aged Japanese men.


METHODS
Participants in this cross-sectional study underwent color vision testing, ophthalmic examination, a standardized interview and examination of venous blood samples. Ishihara plates, a Lanthony 15-hue desaturated panel, and Standard pseudoisochromatic Plates part 2 were used to examine color vision ability. The Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test was performed to define ACVI. Smoking status and alcohol intake were recorded during the interview. We performed logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, LDL-C level, systemic hypertension, diabetes, cataract, glaucoma, overweight, smoking status, and alcohol intake. Adjusted odds ratios for four LDL-C levels were calculated.


RESULTS
A total of 1042 men were enrolled, 872 participants were eligible for the study, and 31 subjects were diagnosed with ACVI. As compared to the lowest LDL-C category level (<100 mg/dl), the crude OR of ACVI was 3.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-11.00) for the 2nd highest category (130-159 mg/dl), and 4.84 (95% CI, 1.42-16.43) for the highest level (>or=160 mg/dl). The multiple-adjusted ORs were 2.91 (95% CI, 0.87-9.70) for the 2nd highest category and 3.81 (95% CI, 1.03-14.05) for the highest level. Tests for trend were significant (P<0.05) in both analyses.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggested that the prevalence of ACVI is higher among middle-aged Japanese men with elevated LDL-C levels. These changes might be related to deteriorated neurologic function associated with lipid metabolite abnormalities.
Shoji
Takuhei
T
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan. t-shoji@yg7.so-net.ne.jp
Sakurai
Yutaka
Y
Sato
Hiroki
H
Chihara
Etsuo
E
Ishida
Masahiro
M
Omae
Kazuyuki
K
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002386:Cataract / Q000175:diagnosis; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D055253:Color Vision; D003117:Color Vision Defects / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL