Side Effects Of Statin Drugs On Eyes: Benefits Of Taking Statins

Side Effects Of Statin Drugs On Eyes: Benefits Of Taking Statins . Since few decades, statins has become a popular weapon in medicinal armament against high level of cholesterol. Statins are group of drugs which can lower LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol) circulating in blood. Often doctors prescribe statins to people suffering from uncontrolled high level of cholesterol and to those who are suffering or are at a risk of cardiovascular disease.

Though statin class of drugs have immeasurable health benefits, evidence are surfacing regarding their various side effects. One of them is its effect on eye health.

Health Benefits Of Taking Statins

Statins act upon an enzyme in liver which is responsible for production of LDL cholesterol.

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Thus the circulating LDL level in blood decreases lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many health care practitioners do not usually prescribe statins at first instance when a person has high level of cholesterol circulating in blood. Instead they recommend the patient to lower his cholesterol by dietary modifications and change in lifestyle.

They suggest the patient to reduce the intake of saturated fats which are known to increase LDL cholesterol. They also advise the patient to change his lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise in their daily regimen. Limiting intake of alcohol and eliminating smoking are other two factors that they stress upon.

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Most people tolerate statins, however few of them may have minor side effects such as stomach upset, headache etc. Disorders in the eye are also noted but not well documented side effects after use of statin group of drugs. They are prevalent in rare cases.

Side Effects Of Statin Drugs On Eye Health

Some of the side effects of statins on eye health include drooping of eye lids, mostly upper eye lid, double vision, restriction of full range of eye movement. These side effects are generally temporary and as the drug is withdrawn, the symptoms may disappear. The time taken for recovery may not be same for each individual and may vary from one person to another.

Though the eye manifestations due to use of statin group of drugs are not well documented, other side effects such as skeletal muscle disorder is known to occur in many patients. This side effect is under elaborate research. Researchers are of opinion that the side effects on eye are related to its effect on ocular muscles. Few researchers have also opined early development of cataract in people taking statin group of drugs. However, there is no substantial evidence to this and it needs more study to find the relationship of use of stain and development of cataract.

Few researchers on the other hand have found that people who have high level of cholesterol and suffering from glaucoma had reduced pressure in their eye after taking statins. They contribute it to improvement in the blood circulation in the eye tissues. Glaucoma is an eye disease where the pressure inside the eye is raised. This results in headache, visual difficulty, watering of eyes etc.

A person may increase the risk of side effects in following circumstances: If he is taking many types of statin drugs, is above the age of 70, a diabetic patient and drinking excessive alcohol.

From above discussion and findings, it is necessary to weigh benefits against the risk and side effects in every case. Because in most cases the benefits of preventing heart attacks and stroke are greater. However, on the other hand it is also necessary to safeguard vision and eyes. Therefore, before taking statins, discussing all aspects with the health care provider may be useful.