Incidence and Progression of Lens Opacities

Abstract

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated in cross-sectional studies with a decreased prevalence of lens opacities. We explored the associations of HRT and reproductive factors with the incidence and progression of lens opacities over a 2-year period. Data were derived from 1458 women ages 65 years and older from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation population-based prospective cohort study in Salisbury, MD, 1993-1997. HRT was not associated with incident nuclear, cortical, or posterior subcapsular opacities, or with progression of nuclear or cortical opacification. Women who had an early menopause had a higher risk of nuclear progression, whereas those who had a later menopause had a lower risk (linear trend P = 0.013). Other variables related to reproduction, such as oral contraceptive use, age at menarche, number of births, and history of hysterectomy, were not associated with any of the outcomes. These data suggest no evidence of protection against the incidence or progression of lens opacities with HRT.