Long-Term Aspirin Use Linked to Cataracts

October 9, 2004

lat=1097281287 & hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2emercola%2ecom%2f2004%2foct%2f6%2fv\

ioxx_recall%2ehtm

Prolonged aspirin use may raise risks for cataract. Scientists have known

that the long-term use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, can

contribute to cataract development. The investigators found that long-term

(more than 10 years) use of aspirin was associated with a 44% higher

increase of posterior subcapsular cataracts, compared with nonusers or

short-term users of the drug. Posterior subcapsular cataracts are the most

common and most disabling form of cataract. This aspirin-related risk was

larger among younger (under 65 years of age) individuals compared with older

subjects.

Ophthalmology 1998;105:1751-1758.

COMMENT: One of the newer side effects of aspirin. Clearly, it has

beneficial actions in heart disease protection. However, this needs to be

balanced with its risks. In higher doses, it can cause a bleeding ulcer

which can be fatal. I find it amazing that the longer we look, the more side

effects we find from medications, even in ones that have been around for

long over 100 years like aspirin. Don’t EVER forget what the fourth leading

cause of death is in this country: SIDE EFFECTS from physician prescribed

drugs. This is called an adverse drug reaction (ADR). I don’t believe one

can be more adverse than death.

Print this Page

E-mail to a Friend

_______________

Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE!

Recommended Posts