Understanding Gene-environment Interactions In Relation To Risk Of Age-related Cataract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,514.00
Summary
Age-related cataract is the clouding of the lens, a leading cause of visual impairment among older persons. The burden of this common eye disease will only increase as the population ages. Besides age, other environmental and genetic risk factors that increase the risk of cataract have been identified. The aim of this research is to examine how the interplay of genes and environment contributes to age-related cataract formation, using population-based data of established studies.
There is strong evidence of an increased falls risk associated with cataract, a primary cause of vision impairment in older Australians. This research will determine factors contributing to increases in falls risk in people aged 70 years and older with cataract before surgery, between first and second eye surgery, and after second eye surgery. The findings can inform the optimal management of older people with cataract and limit negative health impacts of cataract-related injury and falls.