Scientists have found that people with psoriasis face an increased risk of developing cataracts and requiring surgery to remove them. The likelihood of complications may also vary depending on the type of treatment used to manage the condition. The findings were published in the Journal of Dermatology.
Researchers led by Yan-Jie Su of Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan analyzed medical records of 61,622 patients with newly diagnosed psoriasis and an equal number of people without the condition. The participants were matched by age, sex and year of enrollment in the study.
The analysis showed that patients with psoriasis had a 32% higher risk of developing cataracts than those without the condition, while their likelihood of undergoing cataract surgery was 41% higher. This association generally remained consistent regardless of age, sex or the presence of psoriatic arthritis.
Further analysis showed that the risk of cataracts was elevated among patients receiving phototherapy: by 88% with psoralen combined with ultraviolet A (PUVA) treatment and by 22% with ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy. However, the researchers found no clear association between the risk and the intensity of phototherapy.
At the same time, the use of systemic medications, including biologic agents, Janus kinase inhibitors and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, was associated with a lower likelihood of developing cataracts. The adjusted odds of developing the condition were 51% and 26% lower, respectively, in these medication groups. Similar patterns were observed for cataract surgery.
The authors emphasize that the study identifies statistical associations but does not establish that psoriasis or specific treatments directly cause cataracts. The findings highlight the importance of considering potential risks to eye health when selecting treatments and monitoring patients.
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