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PubMed2001

Lens changes in hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome.

PURPOSE: To provide detailed description and illustration of the lens changes found in hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome, a newly reported autosomal dominant condition. METHODS: Observational case reports. A 19-year-old man was referred for evaluation of possible hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome. His serum ferritin level was increased at 1291 microg/L during a routine screening examination. Genetic analysis revealed mutation G51C on chromosome 19, predicting an altered iron response element in L-ferritin mRNA. Subsequent evaluation of his 46-year-old father revealed similar findings. RESULTS: Multiple breadcrumb-like nuclear and cortical lens opacities were seen in this father-son pair. These cases represent the first detailed description and illustration of hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome cataracts in the ophthalmic literature. CONCLUSION: Hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome can be associated with distinct breadcrumb-like lens opacities. Recognition of these characteristic cataracts may aid identification and study of patients with this unusual disorder and provide insight into mechanisms of cataract formation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Is there an association between cataract surgery and age-related macular degeneration? Data from three population-based studies.

PURPOSE: To determine whether cataract surgery is associated with an increased prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in three independent population-based data sets. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: Data were used from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (2,520 subjects from Salisbury, Maryland, aged 65 to 84 years), the Proyecto VER (4,774 Hispanic subjects from Arizona aged 40 years and older), and the Baltimore Eye Survey (4,396 subjects from Baltimore, Maryland, aged 40 and older). The main outcome measure was AMD as determined by retinal photographs or clinical examination. RESULTS: A history of cataract surgery was associated with an increased prevalence of late AMD in all three data sets after adjusting for age, race, sex, and smoking, but odds ratios (OR) were not individually statistically significant. The OR for the combined analysis was 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.6). Having a severe cataract in the eye was also associated with a slightly higher prevalence of late AMD, although the combined OR was not statistically significant (OR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.8%-2.4). Overall, increasing time since cataract surgery was not associated with late AMD. CONCLUSIONS: A history of cataract surgery may be associated with an increased prevalence of late AMD. However, having a severe cataract in the eye may also be associated with a higher prevalence of late AMD. Additional research is needed to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between cataract surgery and AMD or whether this relationship is due to residual confounding or bias.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

National five-year mortality after inpatient cataract extraction.

We assessed the five-year mortality in all United States Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 to 79 years who underwent inpatient cataract extraction in 1984. The risk of dying within five years after cataract extraction was compared to the five-year mortality risk of the same aged persons in the United States population. Patients with cataracts who were younger than 75 years had significantly higher age-specific rates of mortality than would be predicted from United States life tables (P less than .001). For example, at the age of 65 years, patients with cataracts had 1.34 times the risk of the United States population (95% confidence interval = 1.29 to 1.41). This risk progressively declined until the age of 75 years, at which age there is little difference between the patients with cataracts and the United States population, except for the oldest women with cataracts (at the age of 79 years, relative risk = .90; 95% confidence interval = .82 to .99). Although selection factors may account for the excess mortality observed among these individuals, these data do support previous analyses that suggest an association between senile cataract and increased risk of mortality.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Cataract associations with pinguecula and pterygium: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To determine associations between cataract types and pinguecula and pterygium. METHODS: The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3,654 persons aged 49 to 97 years near Sydney, Australia. A questionnaire was used to collect information on cataract risk factors. Slit-lamp examination recorded pinguecula and pterygium. Masked lens photograph grading assessed cataract. RESULTS: Pinguecula, found in 2,418 right eyes and 2,437 left eyes, was statistically significantly associated with cortical cataract (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40) after multivariate adjustment. Pterygium, found in 199 right eyes and 188 left eyes, was associated with posterior subcapsular cataract (OR = 1.90). CONCLUSIONS: Associations were found between cataract and the presence of either pinguecula or pterygium. These findings provide indirect support for Watermen Study findings, which link ultraviolet radiation to cataract.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Protein associated with human lens 'native' membrane during aging and cataract formation.

Plasma membrane contains extrinsic as well as intrinsic proteins. Changes in the extrinsic proteins of lens membrane during human aging and cataract formation have not been investigated in detail. Unlike previous studies which examined lens membrane after being stripped of extrinsic proteins by treatment with chaotropic agents, we have isolated whole or 'native' lens membrane on a sucrose gradient by ultracentrifugation of the total water-insoluble protein. Essentially all of the water-insoluble protein from young to aged to cataractous human lens appeared membrane associated. In young lens (20-37 years old), most of the membrane banded at the 25/45% sucrose interface fraction. This fraction contained relatively little urea-soluble protein and likely represents fiber-cell plasma membrane with its physiologically associated extrinsic and intrinsic proteins. With aging (62-80 years old), about one-third of the membrane, as judged by the distribution of cholesterol, banded at a much higher density (50/58% sucrose fraction). The higher density was due to a great increase in the membrane's relative protein content (protein/cholesterol). Although this extra protein was composed of both urea-insoluble and -soluble fractions, the urea-soluble protein predominated in all lenses. Cataractous lens differed from aged-clear lens in that much more of the total membrane (70-75%) had shifted to the high density and participated in this massive binding of cytosolic proteins. Although alpha-crystallin was the principal extrinsic-membrane protein in young lens, high molecular weight aggregate of modified (acidic) crystallins accounted for the increased extrinsic protein in aging. The extrinsic proteins bound to both clear-aged and cataractous lens membrane were aggregated. In conclusion, examination of human lens native membrane fractions revealed that the association of crystallins with membrane in both aging and cataracts was much greater than previously recognized and most of this increased protein was non-covalently bound to the membrane. Much more of the lens total membrane from cataractous than clear-aged lens was involved in this massive protein association and the protein bound to cataract membrane appeared more highly aggregated.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Biochemical evidence for adhesion-promoting role of major intrinsic protein isolated from both normal and cataractous human lenses.

In this study, we tested the adhesion-promoting role of major intrinsic protein from both normal human (cadaver) and senile cataractous lenses. Junctional membrane solubilized proteins and pure major intrinsic protein obtained from both type of lenses were reconstituted in neutral phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The interaction of these liposomes with phosphatidylserine vesicles was studied by resonance energy transfer. Our results show that normal human lens junction solubilized proteins and pure major intrinsic protein isolated from them promote adhesion. No quenching effect was observed when major intrinsic protein was omitted in the vesicle reconstitution, no other intrinsic protein of normal human junctional membrane provoked the adhesive effect. In contrast, major intrinsic protein isolated from human senile cataractous lens fails to induce adhesion. The proteolytic cleavages that in vitro originate major intrinsic protein 22,000 Da did not blunt its adhesive capability, suggesting that the proteolytic modifications that major intrinsic protein undergoes in senile cataract were not related with the incompetence of cataractous lens junctions to induce adhesion. Cataractous lens junctional membranes showed protein aggregates. These membranes were treated with sodium hydroxide and reconstituted into liposomes. The sodium hydroxide treatment removed the protein aggregates and restored the adhesive capability. Furthermore, the supernatant obtained after the sodium hydroxide treatment of cataractous junctional membranes, inhibited the adhesive effect of vesicles reconstituted with bovine solubilized proteins. These experiments prove that the failure to induce adhesion of human senile cataractous lens junction proteins is due to the interaction with protein aggregates, which can be removed by sodium hydroxide.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Galactose-induced cataract in rat: Raman detection of sulfhydryl decrease and water increase along an equatorial diameter.

Raman spectroscopy shows that maturation of galactose cataract greatly increases the water signal (at 3417 cm-1) which is correlated with the inbibition of water in the lens. The maximum water: protein ratio (expressed as Raman intensity ratio I3417:I2936) occurs at the peripheral cortex (i.e. approximately 4.7), which is much higher than the ratios found in Emory cataract (approximately 0.3) and in cac-strain mouse cataract (approximately 0.5). It is demonstrated that Raman measurement of the intensity ratio I3417:I2936 is a more sensitive way to reflect increase of water in cataract, compared to water concentration (percentage of wet weight of the lens). The small decrease in the sulfhydryl profile along an equatorial diameter is attributed to the concentration decrease in glutathione. There is no spectroscopic evidence for extensive disulfide bond formation associated with galactosemic cataractogenesis in rat. There is an increase in the tyrosine I832:I858 ratio (normal 1.74; cataract 3.43), indicating a strengthening of the phenolic hydrogen bond, a change which has been found in Raman spectra of all cataracts studied. A comparison of the Raman spectra of normal lenses and mature cataracts reveals no change in conformation of the protein backbone.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

High levels of binocular function are achievable after removal of monocular cataracts in children before 8 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the visual acuity and binocular function results achieved in children who had monocular cataracts removed before 8 years of age. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Clinical records of 171 patients who underwent a unilateral cataract removal between January 1986 and 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. Seventy-four eyes were included in the study: 19 congenital, 11 developmental, 19 posterior lenticonus, 19 traumatic, and 6 complicated cataracts. Patients with less than 2 years of follow-up; eyes with cataracts resulting from retinoblastoma; prematurity; and those associated with dense corneal scars, lens dislocation, and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous were excluded. INTERVENTION: Visual acuity was measured by means of age-appropriate tests such as the fixation pattern, Allen object recognition cards, isolated optotypes with the Sheridan Gardiner test, and Snellen letters. Sensory fusion was assessed with the Worth 4-dot test, and stereo acuity was assessed with the Titmus stereo test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cataracts were classified regarding type, extent, age at onset, duration of the opacity, age at surgery, method of removal, development of secondary membrane, form of optical rehabilitation, and presence of strabismus. Visual acuity levels between 6/6 and 6/12 were considered "good." Fusion of the Worth 4-dot test at distance and near, and presence of stereo acuity of 100 seconds of arc or better were considered "good" binocular function. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to define factors that correlated with achieving good visual outcome. RESULTS: Visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 27 (36.5%) eyes. However, good binocular function was achieved in only 11 of these 27 patients. Results of univariate analysis showed that later age at onset of cataract and absence of strabismus were significant for good visual acuity and binocular function. The presence of strabismus increases the risk of not achieving good visual acuity by 5.45-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Good visual acuity and binocular function can be achieved after removal of monocular cataracts in visually immature children. Patients with strabismus at presentation or during the follow-up period have the least chance of achieving a good sensory result.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed2002

Incremental cost-effectiveness of initial cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to perform a reference case, cost-utility analysis of initial cataract surgery using the current literature on cataract outcomes and complications. DESIGN: Computer-based econometric modeling. METHODS: Visual acuity data of patients treated and observed over a 4-month postoperative period was obtained from the US National Cataract Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT). The results from this prospective study were combined with other studies that investigated the complication rates of cataract surgery to complete the cohort of patients and outcomes. These synthesized data were incorporated with time-tradeoff utility values, decision analysis, and econometric modeling to account for the time value of money. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained was calculated for the study group undergoing cataract extraction in the first eye when the vision was the same in both eyes. This was divided into the cost of the procedure to find the year 2000 nominal US dollars spent per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY) gained. RESULTS: Initial cataract surgery, compared with observation, resulted in a mean gain of 1.776 QALYs per patient treated. A 3% annual discount rate was used to account for the benefit over time, yielding 1.25 QALYs gained. The mean cost of treatment (also discounted at a 3% annual rate) of each patient totaled 2525 US dollars. The cost divided by the discounted benefit resulted in $2020/QALY gained for this procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Initial cataract surgery seems to be highly cost-effective compared with procedures across multiple medical specialties. This information, incorporating patient preferences into evidenced-based medicine, will play an increasingly important role in the evaluation of health care in the future.

Aged↗
PubMed1981

The effect of diabetes mellitus and diabetic therapy on cataract formation.

A study of diabetic and nondiabetic subjects was performed to evaluate the possible association of diabetes mellitus with cataract formation. Parameters investigated included cataract incidence and type model of diabetic therapy, degree of diabetic control, duration of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity. Diabetes mellitus was found to be correlated with posterior subcapsular cataract formation, as was duration of diabetic disease. Race, degree of metabolic control, and age of onset of disease did not appear to be correlated with cataract formation. Oral hypoglycemic agent therapy was significantly associated with posterior subcapsular cataract formation. The African variant of G-6-PD deficiency appeared to protect against cataract formation in diabetic patients. The most important overall factor in cataractogenesis proved to be age. Posterior subcapsular cataracts were associated with corticosteroid therapy, presence of diabetes mellitus, and oral hypoglycemic agent therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Risk factors for retinal detachment after cataract surgery. A population-based case-control study.

PURPOSE: Previous analyses of Medicare claims data, as well as clinical series, have suggested that performance of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy after extracapsular cataract surgery increases significantly the risk of retinal detachment. However, methodologic problems with previous research limit the strength of conclusions that can be drawn from these earlier studies. This study was designed to resolve those methodological limitations while using a population-based approach for assessment of the independent association between the performance of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and pseudophakic retinal detachment. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted. Medicare beneficiaries who had undergone extracapsular cataract extraction from 1988 to 1990 were identified from a 5% sample of Medicare claims data. Within this cohort, people who were diagnosed or treated for retinal detachment during the years 1988 through 1991 (cases) were identified from Medicare records. Four controls were matched to each case of retinal detachment using an incidence density design. Providers of the patients' cataract and retinal surgery were contacted and asked to provide clinical data for all cases and controls that they had treated. RESULTS: Seven hundred six cases of retinal detachment were originally identified from Medicare records. After exclusions due to ineligibility, a total of 291 cases and 870 matched controls were available for analysis. Conditional logistic regression models showed that a number of factors were associated independently with an excess risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. These included Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-5.9), a history of retinal detachment (OR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-6.1), a history of lattice degeneration (OR = 6.6; 95% CI, 1.6-27.1), axial length (OR = 1.21/mm; 95% CI, 1.03-1.43), refractive error (OR = 0.92/diopter; 95% CI, 0.88-0.95), and a history of ocular trauma after cataract surgery (OR = 6.1; 95% CI, 4.3-28.2). CONCLUSION: Performance of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is associated with a significantly elevated risk of retinal detachment in patients who have undergone extracapsular cataract extraction. Other independent risk factors for retinal detachment include axial length, myopia, posterior capsular rupture during surgery, history of retinal detachment or lattice degeneration, and ocular trauma after cataract surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: risk factors relating to technique and events of the operation and patient history: a retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between postoperative endophthalmitis and current changes in the cataract operative technique. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: The 22,091 cataract operations performed from 1990 through 1993 at St Eriks Hospital formed the basis for this investigation. In a random fashion, 220 control subjects were selected to be compared with the endophthalmitis cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Numerous variables pertaining to the cataract extraction procedure and to the ocular and general health of patients with cataracts were analyzed regarding the development of postoperative intraocular infection. Patient age, presence of diabetes or immunosuppression, type of cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL), and intraoperative or postoperative complications were the principal variables assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with endophthalmitis were diagnosed, resulting in an overall frequency of 0.26%. Immunosuppressive treatment (P = 0.019), wound abnormality (P = 0.03), and the use of IOLs without a heparinized surface (P = 0.0023) were the only significant risk factors found in a logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that cataract operating practice may alter the risk for endophthalmitis in that implanting a heparinized IOL and creating a tight section both seem to provide protection against this dreaded complication. Regarding patient history, an increased susceptibility was found among subjects treated with immunosuppressants. Designing a prophylactic protocol that protects against endophthalmitis more efficiently than did the study prophylaxis of 20 mg of subconjunctival gentamicin, is important not only for this patient subgroup but also for the cataract operated population at large.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Diet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate relationships between a wide range of macro- and micronutrients, including antioxidant vitamins, and the three main types of cataract in older people. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand nine hundred people aged 49 to 97 years living in an urban community near Sydney, Australia. TESTING: Food frequency questionnaires and lens photography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Lens photographs were graded for presence and severity of cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. RESULTS: Higher intakes of protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin were associated with reduced prevalence of nuclear cataract. After adjusting for multiple known cataract risk factors, the odds ratios for those in the highest intake quintile groups compared to those in the lowest intake quintiles were 0.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-0.8) for protein, 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.9) for vitamin A, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.4-0.9) for niacin, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.4-0.9) for thiamin, and 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.9) for riboflavin. Intake of polyunsaturated fats was associated with reduced prevalence of cortical cataract. No nutrients were associated with posterior subcapsular cataract. CONCLUSIONS: The nucleus of the lens is particularly sensitive to nutrient deficiencies. Protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin protected against nuclear cataract in this study.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Transport of trace elements in lenses of normal and hereditary cataract UPL rats.

The multitracer technique was applied to the determination of the uptake of trace elements in the lenses of normal and hereditary cataract UPL rats to investigate the transport mechanisms of trace elements during cataract development. Be, Na, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Tc, Ru and Rh accumulate in normal and UPL cataract rat lenses. The rates of uptake of trace elements differ among species and also differ between normal and UPL rat lenses. The uptakes of V and Sr are greater in normal rat lenses, while the uptakes of Mn and Co are greater in UPL rat lenses. High concentrations of Zn are transported into normal rat lenses in comparison with other elements. However, the uptake of Se was highest in the lenses of UPL cataract rats. In addition, the difference in Se uptake between the normal and UPL rat lenses was greatest among the tested trace elements. The present study suggests that the transport characteristics of trace elements are different in the lenses of normal and UPL cataract rats. The different transport characteristics of trace elements in the lenses of normal and UPL cataract rats, especially the higher accumulation of Se in UPL rat lenses, may be implicated in cataract development.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Nitric oxide levels in the aqueous humor in cataract patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the clinical manifestations of cataract in different age and etiological groups. SETTING: Multicenter study, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. METHODS: Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 114 cataract patients in different etiological and age groups (eg, juvenile, traumatic, and age-related cataract). Using chemiluminescence assay, NO was detected through the light generated by ozone and NO interaction. The amount of NO production was calculated and compared among groups. The results were correlated with patient age. RESULTS: The NO levels in aqueous humor were highest in the 12 patients with traumatic cataract and lowest in the 15 patients with juvenile cataract (47.59 micromol/L +/- 12.81 [SD] and 7.66 +/- 2.62 micromol/L, respectively; P <.001). Aqueous humor NO levels were correlated with age and were highest in patients older than 80 years (mean 38.78 +/- 6.29 micromol/L) and in those with mature cataract (mean 40.15 +/- 6.15 micromol/L) (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: The NO levels in the aqueous humor increased with age and traumatic events. The results suggest that NO could be a risk factor in cataract formation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Visual outcomes after vitreous loss during cataract surgery performed by residents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcomes after vitreous loss during cataract surgery performed by residents. SETTING: Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had cataract extraction complicated by vitreous loss from 1997 through 1999 was conducted. All surgery was performed by third-year ophthalmology residents. RESULTS: In 1400 cataract surgeries, 63 cases of vitreous loss (rate 4.5%) were identified. One case had less than 1 month of follow-up and was excluded from further analysis. Of the 62 remaining cases, 53 had phacoemulsification, 7 extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), 1 phacoemulsification converted to ECCE, and 1 intracapsular cataract extraction. Thirty-two eyes had a sulcus-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implanted, 20 an anterior chamber IOL, and 7 a PC IOL in the capsular bag; 3 eyes were left aphakic at the time of initial surgery. Overall, 77% of patients had a postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better. Of the 14 patients who did not have a BCVA of 20/40 or better, 9 had preexisting ocular pathology affecting vision. If these 9 patients are excluded, 91% of patients with vitreous loss had a BCVA of 20/40 or better. Six patients (10%) developed clinical cystoid macular edema. No patient with vitreous loss developed a retinal detachment or endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Good visual acuity can be achieved after resident cataract surgery complicated by vitreous loss. The rate of vitreous loss in this study is consistent with that in previous reports of resident cataract surgery in the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Wavefront analysis of higher-order aberrations in patients with cataract.

PURPOSE: To determine local refractive changes and higher-order aberrations in patients with nuclear or cortical cataract. SETTING: Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan. METHODS: Wavefront analysis of both ocular and corneal aberrations was performed with the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer in 2 patients, a 22-year-old woman with bilateral developmental nuclear cataract and a 68-year-old woman with mild bilateral cortical cataract. RESULTS: Case 1 showed a delay in the wavefront that caused a myopic shift in the central pupillary area in both eyes, associated with the nuclear cataract. The spherical-like aberration (right eye, 36%; left eye, 21%) was greater than the coma-like aberration in both eyes. Case 2 showed an advancement of the wavefront that caused a hyperopic shift, especially in the lower temporal pupillary area, that was associated with the cortical cataract. The coma-like aberration (right eye, 63%; left eye, 52%) was greater than the spherical-like aberration in both eyes. The polarity of the third-order spherical aberration was negative in Case 1 and positive in Case 2. Corneal higher-order aberrations were small and had a different distribution than ocular higher-order aberrations in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Hartmann-Shack aberrometer was useful in detecting local refractive changes and higher-order aberrations in patients with mild cataract. The polarity and the absolute value of ocular higher-order aberrations may be useful parameters to characterize eyes with cataract.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Prevalence of seropositivity for hepatitis C virus in cataract patients and the general population.

PURPOSE: To investigate the epidemiologic relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cataract. SETTING: Yoshida Eye Clinic, Fukuoka, Japan. METHODS: This study included 492 patients with age-related cataract and 2624 controls who had a municipal mass health screening. All subjects were 60 years or older and inhabitants of Chikugo City (population 45000), Fukuoka, Japan. Each subject was serologically tested for HCV using the third-generation enzyme immunoassay. Seropositivity was compared in subgroups consisting of patients by decade; that is 60 to 69 years of age, 70 to 79 years of age, and 80 to 90 years of age. RESULTS: The prevalence of HCV in the cataract group and health-screening (control) group was 18.3% and 7.1%, respectively, in the 60- to -69 year subgroup; 17.8% and 6.6%, respectively, in the 70- to 79-year subgroup; and 15.1% and 3.7%, respectively, in the 80- to 90-year subgroup. In each subgroup, the prevalence of HCV was significantly higher in the cataract group than in the control group (P <.01, chi-square test). In the cataract group, the HCV seropositive and seronegative groups did not differ significantly in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (P =.548, Fisher exact probability test). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with age-related cataract had significantly higher seropositivity for HCV than an age-matched general population. This suggests that HCV infection may play a role in the development and/or progression of cataract.

Aged↗