[The mechanism of cataract formation in persons with beta-thalassemia]

We examined 63 patients with beta-thalassemia whose ages range from 7 to 57 years. Lens opacities were presented in 14 patients--22%. The period these persons had transfusions and were submitted to iron chelating drug--deferoxamine and the concentration of there serum ferritin in the last seven years were noted. Comparing persons with identical ages and transfusion periods we found that patients who were submitted to less chelation therapy patients which started these therapy later and patients with higher values of mean ferritin or with significant picks were in danger to developed cataract. Patients younger of 10 years old didn't developed cataract despite high values of ferritin. All patients after 30 did have lens opacities.