Cataract
Accumulated lead exposure could increase the risk of developing cataract, according to a group of American researchers.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, revealed there might be a link between lead exposure and the probability that someone will contract cataract. The age-related disease, which causes a clouding of the lens, is currently the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
In order to establish whether there was a link, the Boston-based team of scientists measured the levels of tibial (cortical) and patella (trabecular) lead levels found in a group of 642 men between 1991 and 1999. Of the participants, 122 developed cataract - almost one in five.
The scientists found that men with the highest tibia lead level were 2.68 times more likely to develop the disease. This increased to 3.19 when other factors such as smoking, diabetes and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E were taken into account.
The study also showed an increased risk among patients who recorded the highest patella levels, but the trend was not significant. Blood lead levels, which are more indicative of short-term exposure to lead, were not significantly associated with cataract, it was discovered.
"This research suggests that reduction of lead exposure could help decrease the global burden of cataract," the study concluded.
