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At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

National outcomes of cataract extraction. III. Corneal edema and transplant following inpatient surgery.

We analyzed the likelihood of rehospitalization for corneal edema or corneal transplantation in all 338,141 Medicare beneficiaries older than 65 years who were admitted to US hospitals for cataract extraction in 1984. The rate of rehospitalization for corneal edema or transplant within 4 years of intracapsular cataract extraction was 1.4%, almost twice the rate associated with extracapsular extraction (0.63%) or phacoemulsification (0.62%; P less than .0001). No significant difference in the rate of corneal transplantation was detected between those undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction and those undergoing phacoemulsification. Among patients who had intracapsular cataract extraction, those who underwent concurrent intraocular lens implantation surgery had a higher rate of rehospitalization for corneal edema or transplantation than those who did not (1.11% vs 0.86%; P = .0003). However, this difference is only manifest starting at about 3 years after surgery. Among patients who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction and phacoemulsification, however, those who underwent intraocular lens implantation during surgery had a lower rate of corneal edema or transplantation than those who did not (0.47% vs 0.74%; P less than .0001). This difference was seen almost immediately after surgery. Cataract surgery accompanied by anterior vitrectomy was associated with a threefold increase in the 4-year rate of corneal edema or transplantation compared with cataract surgery alone (2.42% vs 0.87%; P less than .0001).

Aged↗
PubMed1993

The Linxian cataract studies. Two nutrition intervention trials.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the vitamin/mineral supplements used in two cancer intervention trials affected the risk of developing age-related cataracts. DESIGN: Two randomized, double-masked trials with a duration of 5 to 6 years and end-of-trial eye examinations. SETTING: Rural communes in Linxian, China. PARTICIPANTS: In trial 1, 2141 participants aged 45 to 74 years, and, in trial 2, 3249 participants aged 45 to 74 years. INTERVENTIONS: Multivitamin/mineral supplement or matching placebo in trial 1; factorial design to test the effect of four different vitamin/mineral combinations in trial 2 (retinol/zinc, riboflavin/niacin, ascorbic acid/molybdenum, and selenium/alpha-tocopherol/beta carotene). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts in treatment groups at end of trials. RESULTS: In the first trial, there was a statistically significant 36% reduction in the prevalence of nuclear cataract for persons aged 65 to 74 years who received the supplements. In the second trial, the prevalence of nuclear cataract was significantly lower in persons receiving riboflavin/niacin compared with persons not receiving these vitamins. Again, persons in the oldest group, 65 to 74 years, benefited the most (44% reduction in prevalence). No treatment effect was noted for cortical cataract in either trial. Although the number of posterior subcapsular cataracts was very small, there was a statistically significant deleterious effect of treatment with riboflavin/niacin. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the two trials suggest that vitamin/mineral supplements may decrease the risk of nuclear cataract. Additional research is needed in less nutritionally deprived populations before these findings can be translated into general nutritional recommendations.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Anterior segment complications after helium ion radiation therapy for uveal melanoma. Radiation cataract.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the factors in the development of visually significant cataract after helium ion irradiation of eyes with uveal melanomas. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis with multivariate analysis using life tables and Cox proportional hazard models in addition to other nonparametric techniques. PATIENTS: All patients with a noncataractous other eye and adequate dosimetry data who were treated with helium ion irradiation. RESULTS: Significant cataracts (grade 3+ or 4+ on a 0 to 4+ scale) developed in 129 patients (44%). The risk of cataract development peaked at 3 years (25% per person-year) and then declined to a sustained level of 7% to 9% per year after 7 years. In multivariate analysis, the percentage of lens included in the treatment port was the predominant predictive correlate with time to significant cataract (relative risk of 2.97 for a 25% increase in the percentage of lens in the treatment port). Patient age, preexisting cortical opacity, and ultrasound tumor height were also significant; ciliary body involvement and tumor dose had smaller effects. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an increased rate of cataractogenesis with each increment of the percentage of lens in the treatment port; when more than half of the lens was in the beam, the risk of cataract exceeded 90% within 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract development after helium ion irradiation is a function of the amount of the lens in the beam. Unlike neovascular glaucoma that develops mainly in the first few years after treatment, cataract continues to develop during the entire length of follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cataract development in diabetic sand rats treated with alpha-lipoic acid and its gamma-linolenic acid conjugate.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes commonly leads to long-term complications such as cataract. This study investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LPA) and its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) conjugate on cataract development in diabetic sand rats. METHODS: Two separate experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, sand rats were fed a "high-energy" diet (70% starch), an acute model of Type 2 diabetes, and injected with LPA. In Experiment 2, the animals received a "medium-energy" diet (59% starch), a chronic diabetic model, and were intubated with LPA or its GLA conjugate. Throughout the experiments, blood glucose levels and cataract development were measured. At the termination of the experiments, lens aldose reductase (AR) activity and lenticular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed. RESULTS: LPA injection significantly inhibited cataract development and reduced blood glucose levels in rats fed the "high-energy" diet. Lens AR activity tended to be lower, while lenticular GSH levels increased. In sand rats fed a "medium-energy" diet (59% starch), LPA intubation had no effect on blood glucose levels and cataract development but GSH levels were increased. In contrast, sand rats intubated with GLA conjugate showed the highest blood glucose levels and accelerated cataract development. The conjugate treatment also decreased lenticular GSH content. CONCLUSIONS: The hypoglycemic effects of LPA are beneficial in the prevention of acute symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. It remains to be shown that the antioxidant activity of LPA is responsible for prevention or inhibition of cataract progression in sand rats.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed2006

A novel mutation in the DNA-binding domain of MAF at 16q23.1 associated with autosomal dominant "cerulean cataract" in an Indian family.

Congenital cataract, a clinically and genetically highly heterogeneous eye disorder, is one of the significant causes of visual impairment or blindness in children. It is frequently inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. We investigated a three-generation family of Indian origin with 12 members affected with cerulean cataract. Linkage analysis was carried out in this family using more than 100 microsatellite markers for the known cataract candidate gene loci. A positive two-point lod score of 3.9 at theta = 0.000, indicative of linkage, was obtained with three microsatellite markers for chromosome 16. Multipoint and haplotype analysis narrowed the cataract locus to a 15.3 cM region between markers D16S518 and D16S511 that corresponds to the region 16q23.1. Direct sequencing of the candidate gene MAF, which lies in the critical linked region, revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation in the basic region (BR) of the DNA-binding domain. This sequence change was considered pathogenic as it segregated in all affected family members, neither seen in unaffected family members nor in 106 unrelated controls. The mutation also results in substitution of highly conserved lysine 297 by arginine (K297R) that affects a residue that forms a part of a predicted DNA-interaction region of the protein. The association of microcornea with congenital cataract in some affected individuals further underlines the role of the MAF transcription factor in lens and anterior ocular development. Our findings expand the mutation spectrum of MAF in association with congenital cataract and highlight the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of congenital cataract.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Cholesterol oxides accumulate in human cataracts.

Human lens membranes contain the highest cholesterol content of any known biological membrane. Although cholesterol is prone to oxidation, the presence of its oxidation products in human cataract has not been shown before. This study was designed to investigate the presence of cholesterol oxides in human cataractous lenses. Human clear lenses (n = 48) were obtained from Coimbra University Hospital Eye Bank. Human cataracts (n = 54) were obtained by routine extracapsular surgery. Cholesterol oxides were isolated by solid-phase extraction on a C18 cartridge and quantified as TMS-ether derivatives by gas chromatography. The extraction procedure allows for an efficient recovery of the major cholesterol oxides, while retaining virtually all cholesterol. Exposure of membranes isolated from transparent human lenses to the free radical generator 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) produced 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol (6%), 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol (19%), 5 alpha, 6 alpha-epoxycholestanol (1%) and 7-ketocholesterol (74%) as major oxidation products. Cataractous lenses contained quantifiable amounts of 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol (7.3 +/- 0.74 mmol mol-1 cholesterol), 7-ketocholesterol (4.2 +/- 0.32 mmol mol-1 cholesterol), 5 alpha, 6 alpha-epoxycholestanol (0.9 +/- 0.16 mmol mol-1 cholesterol), 20 alpha-hydroxycholesterol (0.6 +/- 0.13 mmol mol-1 cholesterol) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (0.1 +/- 0.02 mmol mol-1 cholesterol), whereas clear lenses contained no detectable amounts of cholesterol oxides. We have shown, for the first time, that oxysterols accumulate in human cataracts. Although the total amount of oxidized cholesterol in cataracts is not likely to be high it may account for much of the membrane damage associated with cataract formation.

Cataract↗
PubMed1998

Proteolytic cleavage of N-Succ-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC by the proteasome in lens epithelium from clear and cataractous human lenses.

With ageing, accumulation of modified proteins occur in the lens, forming light scattering aggregates. The multicatalytic proteinase complex, or proteasome, is known to be the major system for removal of damaged proteins in many tissues. In this study we attempted to compare levels of proteasome activity in human lens epithelium from clear vs. cataractous lenses. Normal lenses were obtained from eye donors in a cornea bank and samples from cataractous lenses were obtained from an eye clinic during cataract surgery. Proteolytic activity was quantified using the synthetic peptide substrate N-Succ-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC, a substrate often used to measure the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome. Addition of 100 micron lactacystin, a proteasome specific inhibitor, totally inhibited proteolysis, certifying the specificity of the assay. Hydrolysis was detected over time as the appearance of the flourogenic cleavage product and correlated to the area of the epithelium-capsule specimens. Proteolytic cleavage of N-Succ-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC by the proteasome was higher in lens epithelium from clear donor lenses as compared to samples from cataractous lenses. Median activity in the latter was only 19% of that in the former, a highly significant difference. There was no difference in activity of the proteasome when looking at cortical vs. non-cortical cataract, nor was there any difference between genders. Regression analysis did not reveal any age-dependent relationship, either in the clear group or in the cataractous group. This work is the first to show differences in proteasome activity between clear and cataractous lenses.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Distribution of ferritin and redox-active transition metals in normal and cataractous human lenses.

Previous studies have shown that lenticular levels of Fe and Cu are elevated in age-related cataract. However, it is not known if these metals are present in a state that is permissive for redox reactions that may lead to the formation of free radicals. In addition, there is little data available concerning the concentration and lenticular distribution of ferritin, the major intracellular Fe-sequestering protein, in the lens. The aim of the present work was therefore to determine the distribution of ferritin and the redox-availability of Fe and Cu in healthy and cataractous lenses. Lens ferritin distribution was assessed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. A modified ELISA detected ferritin in an 'insoluble' lens protein fraction. Ferritin levels were not significantly different in the cortex vs nucleus of healthy lenses. In contrast, ferritin levels in the cataractous lens nuclei appeared to be 70% lower compared to the cortex. This was at least partially due to the presence of ferritin within an insoluble protein fraction of the homogenized lenses. In normal lenses, ferritin staining was most intense in the epithelium, with diffuse staining observed throughout the cortex and nucleus. The redox-availability of lenticular metals was determined using: (1) autometallography; (2) Ferene-S as a chromogenic Fe chelator; and (3) NO release from nitrosocysteine to probe for redox-active Cu. The autometallography studies showed that the cataractous lenses stained more heavily for redox-active metals in both the nucleus and cortex when compared to age-matched control lenses. Chelatable Fe was detected in homogenized control lenses after incubation with Ferene-S, with almost three-fold higher levels detected in the cataractous lenses on average. The Cu-catalysed liberation of NO from added nitrosocysteine was not demonstrated in any lens sample. When exogenous Cu (50 n M) was added to the lenses, it was rapidly chelated. The cataractous samples were approximately twice as effective at redox-inactivation of added Cu. These studies provide evidence that a chelatable pool of potentially redox-active Fe is present at increased concentrations in human cataractous lenses. In contrast, it seems that lenticular Cu may not be readily available for participation in redox reactions.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Increased expression of p21(WAF-1/CIP-1) in the lens epithelium of rat sugar cataract.

It has been demonstrated that exquisite regulation of the cell cycle between the activation and inhibition is crucial to maintain the transparency of the ocular lens. While it is generally recognized that the sugar cataract is accompanied by the enhanced proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs), it is unclear whether or not an inhibitory mechanism against the lens proliferation is involved, except for TGF-beta. In this study, the authors demonstrated the enhanced expression of p21(WAF-1/CIP-1), a potent inhibitor against cell cycle progression, and its specific temporal and regional expression profiles in the LECs during the development of sugar cataract. Sugar cataract was induced in 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding them on a 50% galactose-rich diet, and then the expression patterns of p21(WAF-1/CIP-1) mRNA and protein with the advance of the sugar cataract were studied. Western blot analyses showed that p21(WAF-1/CIP-1) expression increased throughout the period of galactose exposure, up to 21 days. Also, a gradual increase in the number of p21(WAF-1/CIP-1) positive cells was observed immunohistochemically in the course of the galactose exposure. Interestingly, p21(WAF-1/CIP-1) was significantly expressed in the multi-layered epithelium, which was observed typically in the advanced cataract. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), an indicator of cell proliferation, was also positive in the most multi-layered epithelial cells. In addition, transient expression of PCNA mRNA and its protein was noticed throughout the lens epithelium in the course of the sugar cataract development. Prior to the elevation of p21(WAF-1/CIP-1) mRNA expression, PCNA mRNA expression increased greatly and reached a peak according to the semiquantitative analyses using either the real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or the Southern blot analyses. Based on these observations, it is possible that p21(WAF-1/CIP-1) is elevated and exerts its inhibitory action against the proliferating epithelial cells during the development of the sugar cataract.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

The relationship between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and cataracts in Sardinia. An epidemiological and biochemical study.

The Italian island of Sardina occupies an important position on the map of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficiency distribution throughout the world, since in this region the condition is particularly frequent and severe (erythrocytes show only 0-7% of G6PD normal activity, while people result affect up to 35% depending on the district). In order to investigate the relationship between the deficiency of G6PD in erythrocytes and in lens, and cataractogenesis, we studied 2125 idiopathic cataractous and non-cataractous subjects, both G6PD-deficient and normal, males and females. Parameters investigated included incidence, distribution and type of cataracts, age at the moment of the first observation, geographical provenance, and G6PD activity in erythrocytes. Moreover, G6PD activity and glutathione (GSSG)-reducing activity was assessed in cataractous lenses obtained from deficient and normal individuals. G6PD deficiency was found to be significantly more frequent in males of the age-group 40-49 years (P = 0.025), while the frequency of G6PD deficiency was decisively lower in the older age-groups. In females, mainly heterozygotes, no evidence of such a relation was found. Cataractous lenses obtained from male patients with no G6PD activity in erythrocytes showed undetectable levels of G6PD activity, and lowered, but not extinguished, levels of GSSG-reducing activity. Cataractous lenses from heterozygous females showed intermediate levels of G6PD activity and GSSG-reducing activity. A preliminary study of 182 diabetic, G6PD-deficient and non-deficient subjects, failed to demonstrate that Sardinian variants of G6PD deficiency provide protection against cataract formation in diabetic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Minimum views required to characterize cataracts when using the Scheimpflug camera.

We performed Scheimpflug slit lamp photography and computerized image analysis on 20 normal and 25 cataractous lenses using 18 slit images for each lens taken 10 degrees apart. The data gathered from the normals served as the reference to estimate the accuracy of representation of the cataracts by the least number of views (18 and less) using a Fourier interpolative algorithm. Using the error obtained with one view for the normals, our study suggests that the minimum number of views necessary for adequate characterization is two for cortical cataracts, two for nuclear cataracts, and six for posterior subcapsular cataracts. This information will be useful in longitudinal studies of cataracts, since most researchers presently use only one view, which may be adequate for normals but not for cataractous lenses. We found the Fourier interpolative algorithm useful in estimating the minimum views required for the current method of analyzing Scheimpflug images, and it can be easily applied to other similar images.

Algorithms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Casteldaccia eye study: prevalence of cataract in the adult and elderly population of a Mediterranean town.

Prevalence of cataract was studied in a population based survey performed in adults aged 40 years or more living in Casteldaccia, a small Sicilian town. Lens opacities of moderate or severe grade (type II or worse, according to the Lens Opacity Classification System II) were found at the following rates: nuclear opalescence in 18.5%, cortical cataract in 12.9%, posterior subcapsular cataract in 10.8%. All these types of cataract were much more frequent in the elderly population and were about 1.5 times more common in women than in men. Late cataract was found in about 1/3 of subjects aged 60 to 69 years, in 2/3 of subjects aged 70 or more, but rarely under 60 years of age. However, early cataract was rather common among younger subjects. Cataracts causing a reduction of visual acuity under 0.7 in the worst eye were found in 4%, 8.7% and 21.5% respectively in the three age groups ranging from 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60 to 69 years and in 54.4% of subjects 70 years old or over.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cataract classification.

Opacifications of the eye lens--generally defined as cataracts--develop in various different parts of the lens. Therefore, one has to differentiate the types of opacities. For epidemiological studies it is prerequisite to classify the cataracts according to their localization within the lens as well as to the size and intensity of the opacified area. Two approaches have been used in the past: 1) subjective methods of lens observation (based on slit lamp microscopy) and 2) objective methods with measurements of lens transparency or lens opacity respectively based on slit image documentation according to the Scheimpflug principle combined with the retroillumination technique. With ageing, the light transparency of the lens is subjected to considerable changes. Even without the formation of an opacity the transmission of the wavelengths in the UV-B/UV-A and the visible range is diminished. The single lens layers are affected by this phenomenon to different degrees. These changes which might also indicate an early stage of 'cataract formation' cannot be discerned by subjective methods. The densitometric image analysis of Scheimpflug slit images, however, allows the exact measurement of the light scatter in the single lens layers and enables the early recognition of disturbances in transparency which is of crucial importance particularly in cataract epidemiology. In view of our present knowledge the evaluation of risk factors which might be of importance in multifactorial cataract processes will hardly be possible by carrying out prevalence and/or incidence studies involving a single examination of the population. In this case follow-up studies (cohort studies) with repeated examinations are prerequisite. The 'objective methods' for classification alone are able to ensure the necessary reproducibility and the possibility to measure transparency changes in the lens before visible (and therefore subjectively recognizable) opacifications occurred. The methodical procedure with respect to an epidemiological study on the involvement of UV-B radiation in the processes of cataract formation in man requires the application of objective methods for cataract classification.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Population based cataract epidemiological surveys utilising a photodocumentation system.

For the past 10 years, the authors have performed cataract epidemiological surveys in several places. All of them were principally population based and applied new types of photodocumentation systems which were developed by our department. The survey places in Japan were Noto, our main survey field located in the centre of the main island of Japan, one village in the subtropical island of Okinawa, a village in the northern island of Hokkaido and one village (Bukittinggi) in West-Sumatra, Indonesia, very close to the equator. The survey methods applied including an interview and ophthalmological examinations, were almost identical in each place and the authors believe that the quality of the examinations was at high level. The cataract classification and grading systems applied were those established by the Japanese Co-operative Cataract Epidemiology Study Group. At present, no significant prominent difference of cataract prevalence and distribution of cataract types have been found in the three Japan survey places. The distribution of cataract types in the Indonesian subjects however, was different from the Japanese subjects. The lens transparency ratio in the Noto survey was quite similar to that of a Dutch study. From photographic images of both opaque and transparent lenses much objective information which be cannot detected through naked eye observation is obtainable. Furthermore, data obtained from the images are comparable because of their objectivity. Although the methodology seems to be rather sophisticated and is costly, the above advantages make it an important asset in this type of cataract research. For example, lens transparency changes with ageing can be indicated quantitatively from image analysis data.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Leisure time, sunlight exposure and cataracts.

Leisure time sunlight exposure is a small or insignificant portion of total sunlight exposure experienced by most people at high risk for cataract. Few studies have been undertaken to evaluate a possible causal relationship, and these have largely been in Western countries. Analyses of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971-1972) failed to confirm a relationship between leisure time exposure and cataract, but suggested that total exposure to sunlight was significantly related to cataract. A case-control study of cataract in Iowa suggested that controls were more likely to have shielded their eyes from sunlight than cases. A study in Italy suggested a positive relationship between leisure time sunlight exposure and lens opacities. In the large population-based Beaver Dam Eye Study population, we evaluated estimates of sunlight exposure and cataracts. We did not find that more leisure time sunlight exposure was associated with lens opacities. However, in men, estimates of lifetime exposure to ultraviolet-B were associated with cortical cataract. In summary, there is evidence to suggest that sunlight exposure may be related to cataract in diverse populations. Leisure time sunlight exposure is probably responsible for a small portion of that exposure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pregnancy-exaggerated galactosemia and congenital cataracts.

One child in a family and two children in another family had galactosemia and congenital cataract. Two of them had total soft cataracts while in one, cataract was less soft. In addition, they had mild lactosuria. The mothers of the affected children had significant lactosuria and mild galactosuria without cataracts. Fathers did not have galactosuria or lactosuria. Clinically unaffected siblings in one family had mild galactosuria and lactosuria. Pregnancy-exaggerated galactosemia was suspected in these two mothers who gave birth to children with congenital cataract. As an extension of this work, 5001 pregnant women were screened for galactose in urine just before the delivery of babies. Mild galactosuria was present in 54 (1.08%). Three children had congenital cataract and one had changes in posterior pole and cornea. Restriction of lactose by reducing intake of milk and milk products during pregnancy by mothers with galactosuria is recommended to avoid the birth of children with congenital cataract.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A 5-base insertion in the gammaC-crystallin gene is associated with autosomal dominant variable zonular pulverulent cataract.

A seven-generation family with 30 members affected by highly variable autosomal dominant zonular pulverulent cataracts has been previously described. We have localized the cataracts to a 19-cM interval on chromosome 2q33-q35 including the gamma-crystallin gene cluster. Maximum lod scores are 4.56 (theta=0.02) with D2S157, 3.66 (theta=0.12) with D2S72, and 3.57 (theta=0.052) with CRYG. Sequencing and allele-specific oligonucleotide analysis of the pseudo gammaE-crystallin promoter region from individuals in the pedigree suggest that activation of the gammaE-crystallin pseudo gene is unlikely to cause the cataracts in the family. In addition, base changes in the TATA box but not the Sp1-binding site have been found in unaffected controls and can be excluded as a sole cause of cataracts. In order to investigate the underlying genetic mechanism of cataracts in this family further, exons of the highly expressed gammaC- and gammaD-crystallin genes have been sequenced. The gammaD-crystallin gene shows no abnormalities, but a 5-bp duplication within exon 2 of the gammaC-crystallin gene has been found in one allele of each affected family member and is absent from both unaffected family members and unaffected controls. This mutation disrupts the reading frame of the gammaC-crystallin coding sequence and is predicted to result in the synthesis of an unstable gammaC-crystallin with 38 amino acids of the first "Greek key" motif followed by 52 random amino acids. This finding suggests that the appropriate association of mutant betagamma-crystallins into oligomers is not necessary to cause cataracts and may give us new insights into the genetic mechanism of cataract formation.

Alleles↗
PubMed1977

Reversibility of corticosteroid-associated cataracts in children with the nephrotic syndrome.

We reexamined the eyes of 39 nephrotic children to investigate further the relationship between oral corticosteroid therapy and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. The corticosteroid dosage was proportional to each patient's weight. Six children had posterior subcapsular cataracts an average of 16 months after the first examination. Nine patients had complete regression of their posterior subcapsular cataracts. We found no correlation between the age at onset of the nephrotic syndrome, the dosage or duration of corticosteroid therapy, or the renal biopsy findings and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Cushingoid manifestations were significantly more common in the patients with posterior subcapsular cataracts. These patients may be more sensitive to the effects of corticosteroids than those who never had cataracts and those whose cataracts regressed.

Adolescent↗