Association of triglyceride-glucose index and derived indices with cataract in middle-aged and elderly Americans: NHANES 2005–2008

Abstract

Aim: Explore the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, along with its derivative indices, and the prevalence of cataracts. Methods: Data from 20,497 participants in the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were compiled. A final total of 4,499 individuals met the eligibility criteria. Cataract presence was assessed through a self-reported history of cataract surgery. The TyG index and its derivatives—TyG-waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), TyG-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), TyG-monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), TyG-log platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (lgPLR), TyG-log systemic inflammation index (lgSII), and TyG-systemic inflammation response index (SIRI)—were calculated. Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves for nonlinear relationships, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Higher TyG indices were significantly associated with cataract presence (P < 0.001). Specifically, TyG-WHtR, TyG-NLR, TyG-lgPLR, TyG-lgSII, and TyG-SIRI exhibited positive correlations with cataract prevalence, even after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.37; P = 0.0403; [OR] = 1.01; 95% [CI]: 1.00, 1.02; P = 0.0258; [OR] = 1.08; 95% [CI]: 1.01, 1.16; P = 0.0223; [OR] = 1.08; 95% [CI]: 1.03, 1.14; P = 0.001; [OR] = 1.02; 95% [CI]: 1.00, 1.04; P = 0.0120). Furthermore, the stratified analysis showed that in the 61–85 age group, TyG-lgPLR and TyG-lgSII remained positively associated with cataract prevalence ([OR] = 1.09; 95% [CI]: 1.01, 1.17; P = 0.024; [OR] = 1.08; 95% [CI]: 1.02, 1.13; P = 0.005). RCS analysis revealed a linear association between these indices and cataracts, with no apparent threshold effect. ROC analysis indicated that TyG-MLR demonstrated the highest predictive ability for cataract presence. Conclusion: The study results indicate a positive association between TyG-related indicators and cataract the prevalence of cataracts in middle-aged and elderly individuals, suggesting that these markers may serve as practical biomarkers for identifying high-risk individuals. Early detection and management of metabolic and inflammatory factors could contribute to effective preventive strategies for cataract development in the elderly population.