Nursing Edição Brasileira · Aug 27, 2026

Statin-Related Cataract

By de Freitas GDSGF, Queiroga LP, Brito RS

Inhibitors of the enzyme hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, well established in clinical practice as statins, constitute one of the most widely prescribed drug classes globally for managing dyslipidemias and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events. Alongside population aging, the incidence of cataract, characterized by the progressive loss of lens transparency, is becoming established as the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Recently, discussions in the medical literature have debated a possible causal or correlational association between long-term lipid-lowering therapy and accelerated lens opacification, generating clinical dilemmas regarding the ocular safety of these drugs. In view of this epidemiological and biochemical controversy, the present study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature on statin-related cataract, exploring the potential underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and evaluating the scientific evidence reported in the Brazilian medical landscape. To carry out this work, a literature search was conducted in the SciELO and LILACS databases using controlled health descriptors to select articles of national relevance. The results indicate that, although experimental models suggest that inhibition of local cholesterol synthesis alters the integrity of lens fiber membranes, epidemiological data in humans remain conflicting, revealing that age and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus act as important confounding factors. It is concluded that the cardiovascular protective benefit of statins absolutely outweighs the potential risk of developing cataract, making treatment discontinuation unjustifiable and reinforcing the need for regular preventive ophthalmological monitoring.

doi.org/10.36489/nursing.2026v32i340p17011-17015 Open access Interventions