Development Of Cataracts

A recent study conducted by Canadian researchers has found a potential link between commonly prescribed antidepressants and the development of cataracts. These findings were based on the results of a study involving two hundred thousand residents of Quebec who were the age of sixty five or older and their usage of "SSRIs" or "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors".

SSRIs are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed to individuals who are suffering from depression or other mental illnesses to increase the level of serotonin in their system which is thought to be a factor in controlling moods. 

Not all SSRI's Show the Same Results 

The study showed a significant variation among the different types of SSRIs with "fluvoxamine" or "Luvox showing the highest percentage with a fifty one percent increase for the chances of developing cataracts or having to undergo surgery for the removal of cataracts.

"Venlafaxine" or "Effexor" came in second with an increased risk of thirty one percent. No association was found with other popular SSRIs that include "sertraline" or "Zoloft", "fluoxetine" or "Prozac", and "citalopram" or "Celexa". The overall risk factor of SSRIs and the potential for developing cataracts or having to undergo cataract surgery was found to be fifteen percent higher. 

Benefits of SSRIs Outweigh the Risk Factors in the Majority of Cases 

This study also estimated that the average length of time for developing cataracts when taking SSRIs was close to two years. Although this study suggests that these drugs cause an increased risk for the development of cataracts, the risks do not outweigh the benefits when it comes to the treatment of depression.

Depression is a serious mental illness that can be life threatening when left untreated and cataracts can be treated successfully in the majority of individuals even when surgical removal of them is required.