The association between physical activity and cataracts among 17,777 people aged 15-69 years residing in Spain

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the association between levels of physical activity (PA) and presence of cataracts in people aged 15-69 years residing in Spain. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed (n = 17,777 ≥15 years; 52% females; self-weighting sample). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to measure PA. Total PA MET-minutes/week were calculated, and participants were divided into two categories: 1) Less than 600 MET-minutes/week. 2) At least 600 MET-minutes/week, equivalent to meeting current PA recommendations. Cataracts were self-reported in response to the question ‘‘Have you ever been diagnosed with cataracts?”. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations overall and by age groups (15–49, 50–64 and 65-69 years; 15-49 and 50-69 years). Covariates included in the analysis were: sex, education, BMI (Body Mass Index), multimorbidity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Results: The overall prevalence of cataract was 3.7%, and the overall prevalence of participating in less than 600 MET-minutes/week of PA was 30.2%. In the adjusted overall analysis, less than 600 MET-minutes/week of PA was associated with significantly higher odds for cataract: OR = 1.324 (95% CI = 1.116–1.571). Age-stratified analyses showed that the association between PA and cataract was significant only in the age groups of 65-69 years and 50-69 years. Conclusions: A significant association between PA and cataract was observed in people aged 15-69 years residing in Spain. Considering the impact on health and quality of life due to reduced PA in people with cataract, at least 600 MET-minutes/week activity should be promoted.