Boston Eye Doctor on Cataract & Ovarian Cancer Risk

Boston eye doctor Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D. commented on interesting research regarding cataracts and ovarian cancer risk. “As an ophthalmologist, any association between eye diseases, problems or conditions and other health problems is of great interest to me,” stated Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. “There may be a relationship whereby women who develop cataracts are less prone to developing ovarian cancer, according to researchers."

It is widely recognized that the major health benefit of exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation from the sun is the production of Vitamin D, which is helpful in protection against several human cancers, including ovarian carcinoma. On the other hand, Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation from the sun is a recognized risk factor for cataract development. Researchers reporting in the November 2011 publication Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention studied 709 women with primary invasive ovarian carcinoma and 1101 controls to examine the association of ovarian carcinoma risk with a history of cataract.

Some interesting findings were that older age, a history of Type 2 Diabetes and skin cancer were significant risk factors for developing a cataract. Further, a history of cataract was reported by 14% of cases and 17% of controls and was significantly associated with a reduced ovarian carcinoma risk. These findings add indirect evidence to the hypothesis that lifetime Vitamin D exposure may be inversely associated with risk of ovarian carcinoma. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the potential behavioral and biological factors that might influence association of cataract with ovarian cancer.

If you have any questions about cataract surgery or cataract risk, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.