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To the Editor: The study by Dr Schaumberg and colleagues¹ controlled for a number of variables; however, there are 2 important potential confounders that were not addressed. First, while a specific gene has not been identified in cataractogenesis, Heiba et al² used sibling correlations to conclude that there could be a major gene responsible for the formation of nuclear cataracts. Research by Hammond et al³ also supports the possibility of a genetic effect in the development of nuclear cataracts by proposing that dominant genes may be involved in this process.

By controlling for diabetes in their study, Schaumberg et al may have also controlled for body mass index (BMI) to some extent. However, Glynn et al⁴ reported that even modest elevations in weight, independent of diabetes and other risk factors such as age and smoking, are associated with an increased risk of cataract formation. Hiller et al⁵ also reported increased . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Brian J. Song, BA
bjsong@utmb.edu
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston

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