Association between systemic inflammatory response index and risk of cataract in patients with cardiometabolic syndrome: A cross sectional study based on NHANES.

Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. Recent studies increasingly implicate the involvement of systemic inflammation in cataract development, but the association between the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and cataract risk in adults with cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between SIRI and cataract risk in adults with CMS, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2008. A total of 1169 participants were included after applying exclusion criteria based on covariate availability. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between SIRI and cataract risk, adjusting for potential confounders. Restricted cubic splines were used to assess dose-response relationships, and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify effect modifiers. The mean SIRI was significantly higher in the cataract group compared to the non-cataract group (1.67 ± 0.45 vs 1.34 ± 0.34, P = .003). In fully adjusted models, higher SIRI levels were independently associated with an increased risk of cataract (odds ratio: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01-1.60, P = .047). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that this association was more pronounced in males, older adults (>56 years), and individuals with diabetes or higher triglyceride-glucose indices. Elevated SIRI is independently associated with a higher risk of cataract in patients with CMS, suggesting a potential role of systemic inflammation in cataractogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of inflammation management in preventing cataracts in high-risk populations.