MADISON, Wis., June 2006 — Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins could decrease the occurrence of a common type of age-related cataract, according to study results announced in June 2006 by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison.

Researchers say follow-up studies are needed. But initial results from close examination of 1,299 people who participated in the Beaver Dam Eye Study from 1998 through 2000 uncovered a strong correlation between use of statins and reduced incidence of common nuclear cataracts.

When other risk factors such as smoking and diabetes were eliminated to achieve a balanced comparison between people who used statins and those who did not, statin users were found to have a 60% reduced risk of developing advanced nuclear cataracts.