Study of risk factors for cataracts in a chronically exposed population cohort

Abstract

Background. The likelihood of developing cataracts is influenced by many factors, such as age, gender, ethnicity, the presence of somatic pathology (diabetes mellitus, hypertension), dietary habits and lifestyle (obesity, level of education), etc. Aim. To study the risk of developing cataracts in exposed people in the long term after chronic radiation exposure, taking into account the influence of radiation dose and non-radiation factors. Material and methods. The total study group consisted of 14,751 people examined in the hospital of the Ural Scientific and Practical Center for Radiation Medicine from 1955 to 2019. Cataracts were diagnosed in 4,658 people. The statistical methods were based on case-control. To assess the association of the studied factors with the risk of developing cataracts, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Morbidity rates were calculated using medical statistics methods per 1000 people. When studying the incidence of cataracts, individualized indicators of radiation dose to the lens of the eye were used. Results. The study revealed an increase in the incidence of cataracts as the cohort ages. There was a tendency for the risk of cataracts to increase (OR=1.10; 95% CI=1.00–1.21) with increasing radiation dose. The incidence of cataracts was associated with the presence of arterial hypertension (OR=2.01; 95% CI=1.81–2.22), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.36; 95% CI=1.17–1.58), cerebrovascular diseases (OR=1.14; 95% CI=1.03–1.26), increased body mass index (OR=1.61; 95% CI=1.45–1.78), as well as belonging to Turkic group (OR=1.58; 95% CI=1.44–1.71), living in the city (OR=1.26; 95% CI=1.15–1.38), having no family (OR=1.72; 95% CI=1.63–1.97), employment primarily in mental work (OR=1.34; 95% CI=1.22–1.48). Conclusion. A tendency for the influence of radiation dose on an increase in the risk of cataracts has been established, medical and social factors that increase the likelihood of developing senile cataracts have been identified.