Gender Difference in the Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components with Age-Related Cataract: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2010

Abstract

PurposeTo explore the relationship of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with age-related cataract in a representative Korean population.MethodsWe analyzed the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2008–2010). A total of 11,076 adults (4,811 men and 6,265 women) aged 40 and over who completed ophthalmologic examination were evaluated. Cataract was defined as the presence of cortical, nuclear, anterior (sub)capsular or posterior subcapsular cataract, from slit-lamp examination or previous cataract surgery. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement proposed in 2009 from the International Diabetes Federation and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.ResultsThe prevalence of cataract and MetS in this population was 39.4% (37.1% for men and 41.6% for women) and 38.5% (37.6% for men and 39.4% for women), respectively. Cataract prevalence tended to increase with the number of MetS components in both genders (both P< 0.001). After being controlled for confounders, however, MetS was significantly associated with cataract only in women (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.50]. Reduced HDL cholesterol, elevated fasting glucose, and elevated triglycerides were also significantly associated with cataract in women (aOR, 95% CI; 1.27 (1.07–1.50), 1.23 (1.01–1.50), and 1.26 (1.04–1.52), respectively). In the subgroup analysis for cataract subtype, MetS and reduced HDL cholesterol were significantly associated with nuclear cataract in women (aOR, 95% CI; 1.25 (1.07–1.55) and 1.25 (1.03–1.52), respectively). However, such associations were not found in men.ConclusionsOur results suggest that MetS and its components appear to be associated with age-related cataract only among Korean women, especially in nuclear cataract.

Metabolic Syndrome: A Common Problem among Office Workers

“…10,22,23 However, some studies reported a higher prevalence in women. 24,25 We found that workers with MSx had a higher mean age than those without. Other surveys conducted in Iran and other countries also showed the increasing trend in the prevalence with age.…”

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and age-related cataracts

“…[22][23][24][25][26] Briefly, ophthalmology residents performed comprehensive slitlamp eye examinations using a BQ 900 slitlamp (Haag-Streit AG). The standard Lens Opacities Classification Systems III (LOCS III) was used to assess cataracts.…”

Metabolic syndrome and some of its components in relation to risk of cataract extraction. A prospective cohort study of men

“…Our results are consistent with our previous prospective cohort study among middle-aged and elderly women in Sweden on the association between METS and cataract extraction (Lindblad et al 2008). Two previous crosssectional studies, one from Korea (Park et al 2014) and one from Lithuania (Paunksnis et al 2007) reported a significant association between METS and cataract among women but not among men.…”

“…Two previous cross‐sectional studies, one from Korea (Park et al. ) and one from Lithuania (Paunksnis et al. ) reported a significant association between METS and cataract among women but not among men.…”

“…; Park et al. ) and case–control studies (Galeone et al. ) both in the Western World (Lindblad et al.…”