Antidepressants May Bump Cataract Risk

People who take a common form of antidepressants -- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs -- are more likely to develop cataracts, according to a new study.

The research from Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute found that people who take the drugs are 15 percent more likely to develop the problem with their eyes.

The result was based on data from nearly 19,000 people over age 65. Everyone in the group also had cardiovascular disease.

The popular drug Paxil raised the risk 23 percent, according to a news release. Luvox raised it 39 percent and Effexor raised it 33 percent.

"The eye's lens has serotonin receptors, and animal studies have shown that excess serotonin can make the lens opaque and lead to cataract formation," researcher Mahyar Etminan said. "If our findings are confirmed in future studies, doctors and patients should consider cataract risk when prescribing some SSRIs for seniors."