HYPERTENSION AND LENS OPACITIES FROM THE BEAVER DAM EYE STUDY

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between hypertension and lens opa cities, and the use of antihypertensive agents. METHODS: A total of 4, 926 adults, 43 to 84 years of age, living in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, at the time of a private census, were invited to participate in a study that included a medical interview and an examination that included ocu lar photography. All study procedures and photographic grading were do ne according to standard protocols. RESULTS: According to analysis wit h the Liang-Zeger multiple logistic regression model, people with hype rtension were more likely to have posterior subcapsular opacities than people without hypertension (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interva l, 1.05, 1.84). Specific medications for hypertension did not meaningf ully affect the risk. Hypertension was associated with increased risk in both those with and without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is associated with increased risk of posterior subcapsular opacities. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that may explain the relationship are unk nown. Incidence data will give a better indication of temporal relatio nship between hypertension, medications to lower blood pressure, and l ens opacities.