Risk Factors For Development Of Cataract Research Articles

Assessment of Cataract Risk after Diagnostic Head CT Scan Radiation Exposure in Ontario, Canada.

Ionizing radiation is one of the known risk factors for cataract development, however, there is still debate regarding the level of risk after low dose exposures. One of the largest sources of radiation exposure to the lens of the eye is diagnostic CT scans. The aim of this study was to examine whether ionizing radiation associated with head CT scans increases cataract risk in residents of Ontario, Canada. Data were collected from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2015 (22 years) from anonymized Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) medical records for over 16 million subjects. A lens dose was estimated for each CT scan using the National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for CT (NCICT) program combined with Canada-specific CTDIvol data. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed with cataract extraction surgery as the primary outcome and lens dose as the main variable of interest, with inclusion of various medical and demographic covariates. Lag periods of 3, 5 and 7 years were incorporated. When lens dose was treated as a continuous variable, hazard ratios (per 100 mGy) ranged from 0.82 (0.80-0.84) to 1.10 (1.09-1.11) depending on the lag period. As a secondary analysis, when individuals were binned based on their total cumulative dose, no significant dose response pattern was observed in the low dose region. Overall, within the bounds of this study, the data do not support an increased risk of vision impairing cataracts after diagnostic head CT scan radiation exposure.

Inhaled Corticosteroid Exposure and Risk of Cataract in Patients with Asthma and COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Both systemic and inhaled corticosteroids may increase the risk of cataract in patients with both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Our aim was to assess the degree of association between cataract and corticosteroid exposure in patients with asthma and COPD. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The odds ratio estimates were extracted from each article. A random effects model was applied for estimate pooling in separate meta-analyses according to study design. Meta-regression was performed to assess the dose-response relationship between corticosteroid exposure and the risk of cataract development. A total of 19 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review, of which 12 studies provided effect estimates for pooled analyses. All but one of the included observational studies reported a significant association between use of corticosteroids and cataract development in cohorts of asthma and/or COPD patients. Pooled analyses revealed on average a doubled risk of cataract in corticosteroid-exposed asthma and COPD patients. Studies have shown that daily high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) ≥ 1000 μg is associated with a significant risk of developing cataract and by that predispose to subsequent cataract surgery, although one study showed that systemic corticosteroids increase cataract risk more than ICS. ICS treatment in asthma and COPD patients is a risk factor for cataract development. Our results emphasize a previously underestimated potential long-term risk of treatment with ICS and underline the importance of targeting ICS treatment, and not least dosing, to improve the risk-benefit ratio of maintenance treatment in both asthma and COPD.

Effect of the Ultraviolet Radiation on the Lens.

The lens is a transparent, biconvex anatomical structure of the eyes responsible for light transmission and fine focusing on the retina. It is fundamentally constituted by water-soluble proteins called crystallins which are responsible for lens transparency due to their stable and highly organized disposition in the lens fiber cells. Some conformational changes and the subsequent aggregation of crystallins lead to loss of transparency in the lens and are the beginning of cataracts, which is the most frequent cause of reversible blindness in the world. Ultraviolet radiation is considered one of the risk factors for cataract development. The lens is exposed to radiation between 295 and 400 nm. This UV radiation may induce several processes that destroy the crystallins; the most significant is the oxidative stress due to increased free radicals formation. The oxidative stress is directly involved in modifications of the crystallin proteins leading to the formation of high molecular weight aggregates and then the subsequent opacification of the lens, known as cataracts. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about the damage of the lens proteins caused by ultraviolet radiation and its role in developing cataracts.

Nine Years' Follow-up of Bilateral Extremely Low Vaulting of Implantable Collamer Lens: Case Report

Purpose: To present a patient with bilateral implantable Collamer lens (ICL) implantation with extremely low vault who was followed up over 9 years and in whom no cataract was detected. Methods: A 56-year-old woman underwent uneventful bilateral ICL implantation and her postoperative ICL vaulting was 10 and 8 µm in the right and left eye, respectively. After consultation with the patient, it was decided to withhold surgical intervention and follow up closely. Results: Nine years postoperatively, the patient had normal ophthalmological examination results: uncorrected distance and near visual acuity of 20/20, normal intraocular pressure and open angle, stable ICL with low vaulting of 8 to 12 µm, clear lens with stable Objective Scatter Index scores, and normal posterior segment. Conclusions: This case report shows that even though low ICL vault is a risk factor for cataract development, withholding surgical intervention should be considered depending on the patient's age, characteristics, and compliance with close follow-up. [ Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports. 2023;3(1):e5–e9.]

Mercury ions impact the kinetic and thermal stabilities of human lens γ-crystallins via direct metal-protein interactions

Loss of metal homeostasis may be involved in several age-related diseases, such as cataracts. Cataracts are caused by the aggregation of lens proteins into light-scattering high molecular weight complexes that impair vision. Environmental exposure to heavy metals, such as mercury, is a risk factor for cataract development. Indeed, mercury ions induce the non-amyloid aggregation of human γC- and γS crystallins, while human γD-crystallin is not sensitive to this metal. Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), we evaluate the impact of mercury ions on the kinetic stability of the three most abundant human γ-crystallins. The metal/crystallin interactions were characterized using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). Human γD-crystallins exhibited kinetic stabilization due to the presence of mercury ions, despite its thermal stability being decreased. In contrast, human γC- and γS-crystallins are both, thermally and kinetically destabilized by this metal, consistent with their sensitivity to mercury-induced aggregation. The interaction of human γ-crystallins with mercury ions is highly exothermic and complex, since the protein interacts with the metal at more than three sites. The isolated domains of human γ-D and its variant with the H22Q mutation were also studied, revealing the importance of these regions in the mercury-induced stabilization by a direct metal-protein interaction.

Anterior Subcapsular Cataract Formation With Long-term Topical Netarsudil Treatment for Glaucoma.

The purpose of this study was to describe anterior subcapsular cataract development in patients on long-term topical netarsudil use. This clinical observational study summarizes a similar cataract pattern demonstrated in a series of patients from a single physician practice and a university-based outpatient clinic during their routine clinical follow-up visits from October 2020 to August 2021. All patients have been using topical netarsudil once daily for at least 15 months. No anterior capsular changes have been observed in any patient at the time when netarsudil was initiated. Five eyes from 4 patients between the ages of 41 and 61 and 1 eye from a patient aged 84 were found to develop anterior subcapsular opacities 15 to 37 months after beginning netarsudil. These cataracts were overall small, 1 to 3 mm, round, oval or ring-shaped, central or paracentral with mild density. No other risk factors for cataract development apart from age were found in these patients. Patients on long-term netarsudil should be monitored for potential development of anterior subcapsular cataracts.

Prevalence of cataract, its risk factors and the barriers to cataract surgery among older women in a rural population of Cuddalore

Background: Cataract is the leading causes of vision impairment and preventable blindness in populations aged 50 and older. Advancing age, diabetes, hypertension, tobacco use and sunlight exposure are proven risk factors for cataract development. The prevalence of cataract is higher in low-income settings compared to high-income regions and also higher among females, compared to males. Hence this study has been conducted among a rural female population, aged 50 and above.Methods: The data collection for this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 4 months (December 2019 to March 2020), in a rural area of Chidambaram, Cuddalore. 397 study participants (202 females and 195 males) were interviewed using a semi-structured proforma, and examined accordingly. Of this, only the 202 females were included in this study, for estimating the prevalence of cataract among female population aged 50 and above. Data was analysed using SPSS statistical software presented as frequencies. Chi square test was used for finding association.Results: The overall prevalence of cataract in the present study is 64.9% (54.5% unilateral and 10.4% bilateral). Risk factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes, tobacco usage and sunlight exposure were significantly associated with the prevalence of cataract (p<0.05, 95% CI). Personal attitudinal reasons like neglect, no felt need and nobody to accompany were the most commonly encountered barriers to cataract surgery.Conclusions: Targeted camps, health education and screening programs can help overcome the unique barriers to surgery faced by females.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Cataract Genesis

The review reflects the current data on unmodified risk factors for cataract development; most prominent are genetic factors and age. Research shows that about half of nuclear and two-thirds of cortical cataracts can be hereditary. Congenital cataracts are hereditary in 25 % of cases, of which 75 % are autosomal dominant. From 30 % to 50 % of congenital cataracts are caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins in the structure of the lens. To date, 115 genes have been identified associated with syndromic and non-syndromic cataracts. Proof of the genetic theory is the development of nuclear cataract in Stickler syndrome (SS), a relatively rare multisystem connective tissue disease inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The syndrome is characterized by structural abnormalities in collagens of types 2, 9 and 11 and manifests itself in various clinical signs, including the development of facial skeleton anomalies, damage to the vision organ, the musculoskeletal system and the auditory system. Ophthalmic complications of SS are represented by a combination of pathological myopia, retinal detachment, ocular hypertension, early vitreous liquefaction and premature cataract development. Age is the main unmodified risk factor for developing cataracts. The most common form of cataract is age-related nuclear cataract, which in developing countries accounts for 50 % to 90 % of the total number of cases (> 70 versus ≤ 65 years, OR = 12.7). The pathogenesis of age-related nuclear cataract is associated with oxidative damage to proteins under certain conditions: a decrease in the concentration of glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C in the lens nucleus. When examining the frequency of cortical cataract, there was also a relationship with an increase in the age of patients (> 70 years versus ≤ 65 years, OR = 5.96). With age, a barrier is created for the advancement of GSH from the site of its synthesis and regeneration in the cortical layer of the lens towards the nucleus. Numerous experimental and morphological studies confirm the accommodative theory of the development of age-related cortical cataract. Lens deformations caused by accommodation forces lead to heterogeneity of the lens density at the border of the nucleus and cortical layers, an increase in light scattering and damage to the lens fibers. Genetic predisposition and age are interactions of many complex factors that can contribute to the development of cataracts.

Risk of Cataract Development among Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Related Uveitis Treated with Topical Corticosteroids

We sought to investigate the risk of cataract development among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis treated with topical corticosteroids. Retrospective cohort study. We included 75 patients with JIA-associated uveitis observed from July 1984 through August 2005 at a single academic center. Clinical data on these patients were collected by chart review and were analyzed. Incidence of new-onset cataract. Risk factors for cataract development were assessed with attention paid to the use of topical corticosteroids. Over a median follow-up of 4 years, the incidence of new-onset cataract was 0.04/eye-year (EY; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.09). Of the 60 eyes in 40 patients who received topical corticosteroid therapy, there was a dose-dependent increase in the rate of cataract development among eyes receiving topical corticosteroids. The incidence of cataract was 0.01/EY for eyes treated with <3 drops daily and 0.16/EY (P = 0.0006 for log-rank test) for eyes treated with >3 drops daily. Among eyes receiving <2 drops daily, the incidence of cataract was 0/EY (95% CI [1 sided], 0.03/EY). Presence of posterior synechiae, active uveitis, and use of topical corticosteroids at presentation were significantly associated with cataract development after controlling for confounding variables. Use of topical corticosteroids was associated with cataract formation independent of uveitis activity. Using longitudinal data analysis and controlling for duration of uveitis, presence and degree of active uveitis, and concomitant use of other forms of corticosteroids in a time-updated fashion, treatment with <3 drops daily of topical corticosteroid was associated with an 87% lower risk of cataract formation compared with eyes treated with >3 drops daily (relative risk, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.69; P= 0.02). In our cohort, topical corticosteroid use was associated with an increased risk of cataract formation independent of active uveitis or presence of posterior synechiae. However, chronic use of topical corticosteroids dosed at <3 drops daily seemed to be associated with a lower risk of cataract development relative to eyes receiving higher doses over follow-up in the setting of suppressed uveitis. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Dose‐dependent density change of lens epithelial cells after in vivo UVR exposure

AbstractIntroductionOur research group focuses on the mechanism of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced lens damage. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication for cataract surgery. PCO results from the growth and abnormal proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the posterior capsule. Lens epithelium is the first target for toxic factors such as ultraviolet radiation. UVR‐300 nm (UVR‐B) is especially an important risk factor for cataract development. Our previous findings show that exposure to UVR‐B can damage the lens epithelium, affect the expression of proteins, induce apoptosis and lead to cataract formation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent PCO by sufficient dose exposure of ultraviolet radiation to residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery.PurposeTo determine the effect of different doses of UVR on the distribution of lens epithelial cells (LECs).MethodsAltogether, 40 Sprague Dawley rats were unilaterally exposed in vivo to 1, 3, 6 and 8 kJ/m2 UVR‐300 nm for 15 min. One week after UVR exposure, exposed and contralateral non‐exposed lenses were removed. One midsagittal section from each lens was stained with DAPI for fluorescence microscopy in order to determine the spatial distribution of LECs.ResultsThe LECs density difference between exposed and contralateral non‐exposed eyes at exposure dose of 1, 3, 6 and 8 kJ/m2 was estimated as a CI (95%), −0.1 ± 2.1, 0.1 ± 3.0, −4.1 ± 1.4 and −2.9 ± 2.7 Cell μm−1 10−2, respectively. Data was fit to a linear model considering the initial density difference at 0. The inclination coefficient was estimated as CI (95%), −0.4 ± 0.1 Cell μm kJ−1 1010.ConclusionUVR‐300 nm induces significant LECs density decrease at exposure dose ≥6 kJ/m2. With fitting to a linear model the evolution of dose‐cell density dependence can be determined.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Surgical Outcomes of Cataract among Patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate risk factors and surgical outcomes of cataract in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Methods: Review of 187 patients (374 eyes). Results: At presentation, cataract was diagnosed in 56 (14.9%) eyes all had chronic recurrent VKH. During follow-up, cataract developed in additional 51 (13.6%) eyes. Fifteen (13.6%) of these had initial-onset acute VKH with anterior segment (AS) inflammation and 36 (19.4%) had chronic recurrent VKH. No patient with initial-onset acute VKH without AS inflammation developed cataract. Risk factors for cataract development during follow-up included female gender, keratic precipitates, anterior chamber reaction ≥2+, chronic recurrent VKH, posterior synechiae, iris nodules, glaucoma, glaucoma surgery, choroidal neovascular membrane, “sunset glow fundus” and chorioretinal atrophy. Thirty-two eyes underwent cataract extraction. Fourteen (43.8%) eyes achieved ≥20/40. Posterior segment complications of chronic recurrent VKH accounted for <20/40 outcome. Conclusions: Poor outcome after surgery is secondary to posterior segment complications of chronic recurrent VKH.

A systematic review of risk factors for cataract in type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for cataract development. With T2D prevalence increasing, the burden of cataract-associated vision loss will also increase. We aimed to characterise cataract diabetes-specific risk factors to assist prevention and management strategies. As part of a systematic review, two investigators independently searched online electronic databases according to a predetermined protocol for relevant published data to end-March 2018. Studies were included if they were longitudinal with ≥100 participants, diabetes was defined, a description of cataract assessment was provided, data were from humans, and the reports were in English. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and GRADE. Of 5255 publications identified, 19 from 13 study populations were included. The overall risk of bias was low. There was between-study variability. Age and glycaemic control were consistently associated with cataract development in T2D, but blood pressure, diabetes duration, sex, and aspirin use were not. Serum lipids and smoking remain possible risk factors, but available data are inconclusive. Glycaemia is the only consistent modifiable risk factor amongst a range of candidate variables. Due to the lack of consistency of the available evidence, and since mortality associated with T2D is declining with the likelihood of increased cataract-associated vision loss, additional well-conducted longitudinal studies are needed to identify modifiable risk factors that could prevent or delay cataract formation.

Knowledge about Cataract and its Risk Factors among an Adult Population in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge about cataract and its risk factors among an adult population in the Cape Coast metropolis, Ghana.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 250 participants. Interview of participants was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed following the World Health Organization (WHO) guide on developing knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) survey.Results: Majority 52.80% of the participants was males; 54.00% of the participants were unemployed and 59.60% of the participants were either junior high or senior high school educated. Ages of participants ranged from 23 years to 75 years with a mean age of 49.57 years. 85.60% of the participants were familiar with the term ‘cataract’. Over half of the participants defined cataract correctly and were able to identify the most common symptom of cataract. Less than half (44.86%) of the participants correctly identified surgery as the standard treatment for cataract. Less than half of the participants were aware of sunlight (UV) exposure, diabetes, trauma, steroid use, smoking and heredity to each be a risk factor for cataract development. A statistically significant association was found between level of education and knowledge of cataract (OR=4.31, p=0.03332). Participants who had previously undergone cataract surgery were found to be more likely to know about cataract (OR=11.42, p=0.0908).Conclusion: Overall, over 70% of participants had low knowledge of cataract. There is a dire need for public health educational programs to improve the level of knowledge and awareness in the study population.

Antidepressants-a possibly risk factor for cataract development: a cross-sectional study

Background: Few studies have reported the role of antidepressants as cataractogenic in humans.Methods: It’s a hospital based descriptive, cross-sectional study. 45 Patients were screened for antidepressant use and diminution of vision, 6 were dropped out. 39 patients with 78 eyes were finally enrolled. They were divided into two goups i.e., Group-I, with cataract (N=53) and Group-II, without cataract (N=25). Three clusters of antidepressants were assessed e.g., SSRI, SNRI and TCA with therapeutic dose (TD) and non-therapeutic dose (NTD) range. Psychiatric illness was diagnosed on DSM-5 and severity of depression on HAM-D. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was converted from Snellen units to logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (log MAR) for statistical analysis. Cataract changes in eyes were seen on slit-lamp and classified on Lens opacities classification system-III (LOCS-III) criteria.Results: A total 78 eyes of thirty-nine (39) patients were evaluated. Thirty (38.46%) and forty-eight (61.53%) eyes belonged to males and females, respectively. Mean age of males (n=7) was 41.8±2.3 years and females (n=32) 40.2±1.0 years. In Group-I, out of (N=53) eyes that developed cataract 33 were females (62.26%) as compared to males 20 (37.7%). Group -II, out of (N=25) eyes, females without cataract were 15 (60%) as compared to males 10 (40%). Therapeutic dose (TD) of antidepressants (AD) in Group-I had more cataract 37 (69.81%) as compared to non-therapeutic dose (NTD) 16 (30.1%). Most of the eyes with cataract 35 (66.03%) had AD exposure of more than 1 year that was possibly associated with increased risk of cataract development (OR 2.10; 95% CI, 0.79-5.55). Amongst users of antidepressants, SSRI was associated with increased risk of cataract development (OR 2.4; 95% CI, 0.72–7.94) with a female preponderance (OR 1.1; 95% CI, 0.41–2.91). Maximum number of eyes 34 (64.15%) that developed cataract had BCVA of ≥6/12 and minimum of 2 (3.77%) eyes had BCVA of ≤6/36. LOCS-III revealed 38 (71.69%) eyes (71.69%) having peripheral cortical cataract and 15 (28.30%) posterior sub-capsular cataract.Conclusions: There is a possible risk of association of cataract amongst user of antidepressants. The AD use of more than 1 year or longer had increased risk for development of cataract with a female preponderance. The highest risk was observed in the users of SSRI as compared to SNRI and TCA. Treatment exposure with antidepressant was longer for mild depression having more than two episodes.

A focus on resveratrol and ocular problems, especially cataract: From chemistry to medical uses and clinical relevance.

Low vision and blindness are important health problems that affect millions of people throughout the world. The most common and important pathologies are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma as well as cataracts. The latter consists of an opacification of the lens of the eye which impedes the passage of light and represents one of the most important causes of vision loss. Among the risk factors for cataract development, there are life-style factors such as the use of tobacco, abuse of alcohol and unhealthy diet. In light of this, dietary components that possess anti-oxidant activity, such as polyphenols for instance, can be considered good candidates for human studies in the prevention and or treatment of such diseases. Among dietary components, the antioxidant capacity of certain polyphenols is well known, and these could be good candidates. In this review we focus our attention on the current scientific literature regarding to the effects of resveratrol on cataracts and other ocular diseases, along with its potential mechanism/s of action. A large number of preclinical studies support the involvement of resveratrol in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases induced by oxidative stress and inflammation, such as age-related cataract.

Cataract development in patients treated with proton beam therapy for uveal melanoma.

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and dosages of proton beam therapy associated with cataract development, and long-term visual outcomes after treatment of uveal melanoma. All patients receiving primary proton beam therapy for uveal melanoma between 1998 and 2008 with no signs of cataract before irradiation were included. A minimum follow-up of 12months was determined. Exclusion criteria included all applied adjuvant therapies such as intravitreal injections, laser photocoagulation, tumor resections, or re-irradiation. For subgroup analysis, we included all patients who underwent brachytherapy between 1998 and 2008 for uveal melanoma, considering the above mentioned inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two hundred and fifty-eight patients matched our inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 72.6months (12.0-167.4months). Of these 258 patients, 71 patients (66.3%) presented with cataract after 31.3months (0.7-142.4months), of whom 35 (20.4%) required surgery after 24.2 (0.7-111.1months) to ensure funduscopic tumor control. Kaplan-Meier estimates calculated a risk for cataract of 74.3% after 5years. There was no increase in metastasis or local recurrence in these patients. Patient's age was the sole independent statistically significant risk factor for cataract development. The probability of cataract occurrence significantly increased with doses to lens exceeding 15-20 CGE. Neither the appearance of cataract nor cataract surgery influenced long-term visual outcome. Cataract formation is the most frequent complication after irradiation. There is no benefit vis-a-vis brachytherapy with regard to cataract development. Data indicate a dose-effect threshold of 0.5 CGE for cataractogenesis, with significantly increasing risk above a dose of 15 CGE. Furthermore, cataract surgery can be performed without an increased risk for metastasis.

The new epidemiology of cataract.

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Smoking, diabetes, and exposure to UVB light consistently have been identified as risk factors for cataract development. Recently, new factors have been identified. Further research into other previously identified risk factors has suggested that these initial associations ma indeed not exist. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on risk factors for development of age-related cataract formation.

A New Approach for the Treatment of Diabetes and Nicotine Induced Cataract by Modulating Specific Ion-Channels Function in Rat Lens

Aim: Cataract is an eye disease characterized by a cloudiness of the normally transparent crystalline lens. Diabetes and smoking are the known risk factors for cataract development. It is well known fact that inorganic ions like Na, K, Ca and Cl play an important role for the maintenance of lens hydration and transmittance. Nicotine aggravates cataract formation in diabetic patients by disturbing the ionic balance in the lens, generation of free radicals and disturbing normal lens physiology by generation of free radicals. Based upon these observations we have screened few drugs like Lidocaine, Nifedipine and Phenylglycine against Streptozotocin (STZ) + Nicotine induced cataract. Methodology: Diabetes was induced by administration of combination of STZ (single dose of 52 mg/kg i.p.) and nicotine (0.3 mg/kg s.c) for 22 consecutive days and simultaneously treated with Original Research Article Chidrawar et al.; BJPR, 5(4): 228-240, 2015; Article no.BJPR.2015.023 229 ophthalmic preparation of test drug i.e. Lidocaine, Nifedipine and Phenylglycine at 1% and 2% to the right and left eye respectively. On 23 rd day of the study, various parameters like measurement of various ions (Na, K, Ca and Cl), anti-oxidants (ascorbic acid, sulfhydral group, glutathione) and fructose content in rat lens were studied. We have also investigated the level of ascorbic acid in serum and monitored the blood glucose level at regular interval throughout the experiment. Results: Accumulation of fructose in the lens cause malfunctioning of Na + -K + ATPase pump which leads to accumulation of Na + ions inside the membrane that causes to accretion of water and osmotic swelling of the lens. By the treatment with lidocaine (1% and 2%) eye drop significantly (P<0.001) reduced the Na + content in both the eyes compared to disease control group. Conclusion: In our study lidocaine has offered best protection against cataract. Phenylglycine has also shown protection but not as good as lidocaine, at the same time Nifedipine has not shown any protection.

The relationship between disability-adjusted life years of cataracts and ambient erythemal ultraviolet radiation in China.

BackgroundCataracts are one of the major public health problems worldwide. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is one of the risk factors for cataract development. We analyzed the relationship between disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates of cataracts and UVR exposure in China.MethodsDALY rates of cataracts and UVR exposure in 31 regions of China were calculated based on data from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability and the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration database. The relationship between the DALY rates of cataracts and UVR was estimated by Spearman rank correlation analysis and linear regression analysis.ResultsThe elderly (≥65 years) had higher DALY rates of cataracts than the whole population. The DALY rate of cataracts in the agricultural population was higher than that observed in the non-agricultural population. The DALY rates of cataracts were positively associated with UVR The DALY rates of cataracts in regions with higher UVR were higher than those in regions with lower UVR. An increase in the daily ambient erythemal UVR of 1000 J/m2 was associated with an increase in the DALY rates of cataracts by 92 DALYs/100 000 (R2 = 0.676) among the whole population, 34 DALYs/100 000 among the population <65 years old (R2 = 0.423), 607 DALYs/100 000 among the population aged 65–74 years (R2 = 0.617), and by 1342 DALYs/100 000 among the population ≥75 years old (R2 = 0.758).ConclusionsDALY rates of cataracts increased with increases in UVR exposure in 31 regions of China. Greater exposure to UVR increases the disease burden of cataracts in the whole population, especially in the elderly and among the agricultural population.

Smoking Cessation and the Risk of Cataract

Smoking is a risk factor for cataract development, but the effect of smoking cessation on the risk of cataract is uncertain. To examine the association between smoking cessation and the risk of cataract extraction. A total of 44,371 men, participating in the Cohort of Swedish Men, aged 45 to 79 years, who in 1997 completed a self-administered questionnaire on smoking habits and lifestyle factors. The men were followed up from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2009. The cohort was matched with the Swedish National Day-Surgery Register and local registers of cataract extraction in the study area. Incident cases of age-related cataract extraction. During 12 years of follow-up, we identified 5713 incident cases of age-related cataract extraction. Smoking intensity and cumulative dose of smoking were associated with an increased risk of cataract extraction (P for trend <.001). Current smokers of more than 15 cigarettes per day had a 42% increased risk of cataract extraction (rate ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.28-1.58) compared with never smokers after adjustment for age and other potential risk factors. Smoking cessation significantly decreased the risk for cataract extraction with time (P for trend <.001). After more than 20 years since stopping smoking, men with a mean smoking intensity of more than 15 cigarettes per day had a 21% increased risk of cataract extraction (rate ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06-1.39) compared with never smokers. Among men who smoked 15 cigarettes or less per day, the effect of smoking cessation was observed earlier, but more than 2 decades after smoking cessation, the risk of cataract extraction did not decrease to the level of never smokers (rate ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24). Smoking cessation seems to decrease the risk of cataract extraction with time, although the risk persists for decades. The higher the intensity of smoking, the longer it takes for the increased risk to decline. These findings emphasize the importance of early smoking cessation and preferably the avoidance of smoking.