P26 Systemic and Behavioral Determinants of Bilateral Cataract Formation: Insights from the CATT Study

Cataracts stand as a primary cause of visual impairment and blindness globally, with prevailing research often emphasizing unilateral development while overlooking the bilateral dynamics and the systemic factors that may influence cataract formation across both eyes. This study aims to delve into the bilateral nature of cataract development, placing a spotlight on the roles played by demographic traits, behavioral patterns, and comorbid health conditions. Through the meticulous analysis of the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT) dataset, we aim to elucidate the systemic and lifestyle elements contributing to the occurrence of cataracts in both eyes.

Adopting a random effects model tailored for analyzing clustered bivariate binary outcomes, the study scrutinized CATT data to detect clustering patterns in cataract development and assess the influence of various risk factors while accounting for the inherent correlation between eyes. This methodological approach facilitated a nuanced exploration of the bilateral development of cataracts.

The investigation unveiled a significant clustering of cataract occurrences within individuals, indicating a strong bilateral linkage in their development. Smoking emerged as a critical behavioral risk factor, particularly affecting the right eye, albeit with notable variability that underscores the intricate nature of its influence. Concurrently, other variables such as obesity and skin dryness were identified as contributors to increased cataract risk, displaying variability in their impact across both eyes.

In conclusion, this study highlights the necessity of a bilateral perspective in evaluating and managing cataract risk, underscoring the significance of systemic health and lifestyle choices in the bilateral progression of cataracts. The insights garnered advocate for an integrated approach to cataract prevention and management, calling for targeted public health interventions and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate the global cataract burden. The findings also prompt further investigation with larger, more heterogeneous cohorts to deepen our understanding of these associations and uncover additional systemic factors that influence cataract development

Digital Health (e.g., Big Data, ML, AI)

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