Statins may protect people from developing glaucoma
A study of 165 million individuals suggests that statin use is associated with a lower risk of developing open-angle glaucoma and a reduced need for surgical intervention in existing patients. The findings indicate that cholesterol-lowering drugs may have neuroprotective effects on the optic nerve.
Why it matters
This could lead to new preventative or therapeutic strategies for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add to Preferred Sources Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Taking statins is linked to a lower risk of developing glaucoma and a reduced chance of it getting worse, suggest the findings of research published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
People who already have glaucoma and are taking statins appear less likely to need stronger treatments like extra eye drops or surgery to keep it under control, the U.S. study finds.
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is caused by permanent damage to the optic nerve.
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