Caffeine, an in vivo oxidation protectant in the lens

Abstract

SummaryThe major avoidable cause of cataract is ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We aimed at investigating topical caffeine in UVR‐induced cataract.Topical caffeine and a placebo were applied to the eyes of separate groups of Sprague Dawley rats that were exposed to sub‐doses of UVR and protective effect was evaluated. Penetration of topical caffeine in the rats to lens and blood was analysed by HPLC. Influence of topical caffeine on pupil diameter was measured in ketamine/xylazine anesthetized rats.Topically administered caffeine protected against UVR‐induced cataract development with a Protection Factor, an objective relative measure of protective properties, of 1.23 and inhibited UVR‐induced apoptosis. Topical caffeine peaked at 30 min in the lens, increased up to 120 min in the blood and antagonized ketamine/xylazine‐induced mydriasis. Eyes treated with caffeine reacted with quick dilatation after tropicamide application.In conclusion, topically applied caffeine protects against ultraviolet radiation cataract, reducing lens sensitivity 1.23 times. Considering that caffeine is a powerful antioxidant that is easily available and well tolerated our finding implicates that caffeine may be a clinically useful anticataract agent.