Methods for evaluation of medical therapy of senile and diabetic cataracts

Loss of transparency in the human lens can be documented by a variety of methods including: (a) slit lamp photography with or without corrections for depth of focus; (b) retroillumination photography alone or coupled to densitometry; (c) high resolution targets projected into the eye and visualized by an ophthalmoscope; (d) drawings and/or measurements of lens opacities; (e) visual acuity determinations after visualization of the macular area and complete eye examination. The advantages and practical uses of each method were reviewed with reference to its value in determining the progression of cataracts in humans. Diabetes accelerates cataract development as determined from graphic plots of cataracts classified after surgical extraction vs the patient's age. Using similar methods high aspirin dosages administered through many years were found to decelerate cataract progression. Drugs for preventing development of diabetic cataracts in animals include inhibitors of aldose reductase or glycosylation such as sulindac (Clinoril), sorbinil or aspirin.