Can cholesterol drugs cause glaucoma?

Glaucoma cholesterol: According to a study published in the archives of opthalmology in 2004 patients taking statin medications were less likely to develop glaucoma than those who were not. In addition those taking non-statin cholesterol lowering meds were also less likely to deveolp glaucoma. Patients who had used statins for two years or longer were 40% less likely to develop glaucoma than those who had not.

Benefit greatest: The greatest benefit for protection against glaucoma was in men with cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. The authors believe statins might lower the risk of glaucoma by reducing atherosclerosis in the optic nerve, or by improving blood flow in the eye. Statins might also enhance the ability of cells just in front of the iris to drain excess fluid.

No: According to the literature for Atorvastatin (lipitor), there doesn't appear to be any association with glaucoma. There is also no contraindication for use in patients with glaucoma. This likely applies to the rest of the statins as well.