The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the risk of stroke increase with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score. Osmotic stress, which also contributes to cortical cataract formation, increases in the presence of diseases that raise the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Knowledge of AF duration is crucial because it heightens the risk of AF-related complications. This study investigated whether the presence of cortical cataracts, classified using the Lens Opacity Classification System (LOCS)stage, can predict the presence and duration of AF.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder encountered in clinical settings and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of AF and the risk of stroke increase with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores . Cortical cataracts develop at the periphery of the lens and progress toward the center in a spoke-like pattern. The incidences of AF and cortical cataracts significantly increase with age .

Similar to subclinical AF, the initial onset of AF may go undetected, and the time required for AF to become permanent varies. Longer episodes of AF and higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores are strongly associated with an increased annual risk of stroke or systemic embolism , making it essential to estimate the duration of AF.

Cortical cataract stages can be easily identified and monitored through simple biomicroscopic examination. To our knowledge, no reliable method currently exists to predict the duration of AF of unknown onset. This study investigated the relationship between cortical cataract stages and the presence and duration of AF by analyzing p.osmolarity data and comparing it with the LAVI.

Inclusion Criteria:

Atrial Fibrillation patients

Exclusion Criteria:

Advanced HF (New York Heart Association class 4), Decompensated HF Prior cataract surgery Diabetic ketoacidosis Alcohol use Severe hyponatremia [sodium level of < 125 mEq/L], Nephrotic syndrome Cirrhosis Hypothyroidism

This study included 400 patients: 200 patients without AF (100 female, 100 male) and 200 patients with AF (100 female, 100 male). The patients' median age was 70 years. Patients with New York Heart Association class 1, 2, or 3 heart failure (HF) were included, regardless of the cause of HF.

Relationship between cortical cataract stages and the presence and duration of AF

1-2 mounts

All data generated in this study are available upon request from the corresponding authors except patient lens photographs.