Zhu Z, et al. - Among 1,405 candidates (aged 50 years or older) in urban China, researchers explored the connection between age-related cataract and 10-year mortality. Candidates were examined at baseline in the Guangzhou Liwan Eye Study. All participants have been invited to attend a follow-up visit of 10 years. Investigators found that 957 candidates had visible lens opacity or history of cataract surgery. Three hundred twenty candidates died after 10 years. In cataract participants, the 10-year mortality rate was significantly higher than in those without. Presence of cataract predicted a nearly threefold increase in the risk of mortality after adjusting for age, gender, family income, educational attainment, BMI, diabetes history and hypertension and presence of visual impairment [defined as visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in the better-seeing eye with habitual correction if worn]. The results that age-related cataract is a predictor of poorer survival relative to those without might suggest that cataract is a biomarker of ageing and frailty.