Correlation of human age-related cataract with some blood biochemistry constituents

The causes of age-related cataract are multifactorial and particular consideration has been given to the role of nutritional factors in cataract formation. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of certain blood biochemistry constituents in cataract patients and controls and evaluate their potential, if any, as identifying risk factors in cataractogenesis.

This is a case-control study where 155 cataract patients and 155 matched controls were chosen for evaluation. Cataract subjects were further divided into subgroups depending on the location of the cataract. All underwent routine eye examinations and blood samples were taken from each one for blood biochemistry analysis including serum levels of glucose, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, calcium, sodium and potassium and the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.

Mean levels of total protein, bilirubin, calcium, sodium, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase differed significantly between patient and control groups. Patients with posterior subcapsular cataract had significantly higher glucose levels (p = 0.05) compared with patients with other types of cataract. It was also found that those patients with a cortical cataract had the highest level of urea, differing significantly from other subgroups and controls.

The mean levels of all constituents under study fell within normal body range. However, the levels of several important factors demonstrated a positive and significant correlation with cataract. While we do not presume to present these results as conclusive, it is possible that a gradual and constant variation in these parameters may be predisposing factors in cataractogenesis.