Bilateral ocular deposit of chlorpromazine / Depósito ocular bilateral de clorpromazina

ABSTRACT Chlorpromazine is a medication widely used in psychiatry for the treatment of psychoses, especially schizophrenia. Since 1964, published articles have been correlating this medication with the appearance of ocular alterations. In this paper, we report the case of a 65-year-old patient with ocular effects due to long-term therapy with chlorpromazine. Biomicroscopy of both eyes presented diffuse granular brown deposits, most prominent at the deep stroma and corneal endothelium level. Also showed anterior subcapsular brown deposits with a stellate pattern in the lens. The total amount exceeds 2.000g (significant for the ocular alterations described) considering the patient's daily dosage of chlorpromazine of 300mg for ten years. After performing complete ophthalmic evaluation and discarding other causes for the ocular deposits, we diagnosed a secondary corneal deposit and cataract due to the use of chlorpromazine. This case reinforces the importance of periodic follow-up with an ophthalmologist for chlorpromazine users to trace ocular changes, heeding the exposure time and its dosage.

RESUMO A clorpromazina é uma medicação muito empregada na psiquiatria para tratamento de psicoses, especialmente em casos de esquizofrenia. Desde 1964 existem artigos publicados que correlacionam o uso dessa medicação com o aparecimento de alterações oculares. Neste trabalho, relatamos o caso de um paciente de 65 anos com efeitos oculares devido à terapia de longo prazo com clorpromazina. A biomicroscopia de ambos os olhos apresentou depósitos granulares difusos e de cor marrom, mais proeminente ao nível do estroma profundo e do endotélio da córnea, além de depósitos castanhos subcapsulares anteriores centrais em um padrão estrelado no cristalino. Considerando a dose diária de clorpromazina de 300mg por 10 anos usada pelo paciente, a quantidade total ultrapassa 2.000g (dose considerada significativa para as alterações oculares descritas). Após avaliação oftalmológica completa e descartado outras causas desses depósitos oculares, foram diagnosticados depósito corneano e catarata secundários ao uso de clorpromazina. O caso apresentado reforça a importância do acompanhamento oftalmolÓgico periÓdico de usuários de clorpromazina para o rastreio de alteraçÕes oculares, atentando-se ao tempo de exposição à droga e à posologia da mesma.

Avaliação da eficácia de um novo marcador cirúrgico para capsulorrexe anterior / Effectiveness evaluation of a new surgical marker for anterior capsulorhexis

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de um novo marcador cirúrgico para ajudar na confecção da capsulorrexe anterior analisando o seu dimensionamento e formato, comparando com a capsulorrexe confeccionada manualmente de maneira livre. Métodos: Como experimento, 3 residentes (R3) de Oftalmologia do Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes (HUOL) e 1 oftalmologista em treinamento, voluntários, realizaram (cada um) 10 capsulorrexes em olhos de porco enucleados. Em 5 olhos foi utilizado o marcador e em outros 5, não. Todos os olhos foram fotografados tendo ao lado uma régua para orientar e calibrar um aplicativo para a avaliação morfométrica do procedimento. O diâmetro alvo foi de 5 mm, cujo perímetro correspondente é 15,7 mm e a área 19,652 mm2. Foram avaliados em cada procedimento: os diâmetros máximo, mínimo e médio, o perímetro, a área e o desvio em relação ao diâmetro e quanto ao aspecto ideal. Resultados: No grupo utilizando o marcador o diâmetro médio foi 5,44mm (±0,89) contra 6,37mm (±0,67) (p=0,001), no grupo no qual não se utilizou o marcador; quanto ao perímetro, 17,52mm (±1,92) no grupo utilizando o marcador contra 20,14mm (±2,09) (p<0,001) sem o marcador e quanto a área, 24,73mm2 (±1,92) com o marcador, contra 32,62mm2 (±6,32) (p<0,001), sem o marcador. Em relação ao aspecto da capsulorrexe 1,26mm (±0,12), contra 1,21mm (±0,7) (p=0,09) e em relação ao desvio de curvatura: 0,87 (±0,05), contra 0,9 (±0,04), (p=0,06) respectivamente. Conclusão: O trabalho mostrou que o marcador avaliado é eficaz para auxiliar a confecção da capsulorrexe conduzindo a resultados melhores que o método a mão livre.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a surgical device that intented to help in the preparation of the anterior capsulorhexis analyzing the design and shape, comparing with capsulorhexis made by free hand. Methods: Three ophthalmology residents(R3) at the HUOL and one surgeon in training, participate in this research as volunteers. Each surgeon perform 5 capsulorhexis in porcine eyes using the device, and five others by free hand as a control. All capsulorhexis were photographed having a ruler as reference to guide and calibrate a computer application for morphometric evaluation (Cambuí Labs, Natal, Brazil). All surgeons aimed to produce a circular continuous capsulorhexis of 5 mm diameter that represents 15,7mm in perimeter and 19,652mm2 in area. Each wet-lab capsulorhexis was evaluated in regard to these criteria: diameter (mean, maximum and minimum), perimeter, area, deviation from the ideal diameter and ideal shape. Results: Compare to control groups, capsulorhexis with the aid of the surgical device showed: 5,44mm ±0,89 vs 6,37mm ±0,67, for capsulorhexis diameter (p=0,001); 17,52mm ±1,92 vs 20,14mm ±2,09 for capsulorhexis perimeter (<0.001); 24,73mm2 ±1,92 vs 32,62mm2 ±6,36 for capsulorhexis area (p<0,001). A tendency for better result with the aid of the surgical device was observed for deviation of an ideal diameter or ideal aspect were appreciated: 0,87mm ±0,05 vs 0,9 ±0,04 for deviation of a curve (p=0,06); 1,26mm ±0,12 vs 1,21mm ±0,7 for the capsulorhexis aspect (p=0,09). Conclusion: Capsulorhexis produced with the aid of the surgical device, significantly improved wet-lab capsulorhexis performance.

Influence of galactose cataract on erythrocytic and lenticular glutathione metabolism in albino rats.

Context: Glutathione depletion has been postulated to be the prime reason for galactose cataract. The current research seeks the prospect of targeting erythrocytes to pursue the lens metabolism by studying the glutathione system. Aims: To study the activity of the glutathione-linked scavenger enzyme system in the erythrocyte and lens of rats with cataract. Materials and Methods: Experiments were conducted in 36 male albino rats weighing 80 ± 20 g of 28 days of age. The rats were divided into two major groups, viz. experimental and control. Six rats in each group were sacrificed every 10 days, for 30 days. Cataract was induced in the experimental group by feeding the rats 30% galactose (w/w). The involvement of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the linked enzymes was studied in the erythrocytes and lens of cataractous as well as control rats. Statistical Analysis: Parametric tests like one-way ANOVA and Student's ‘t’ test were used for comparison. Correlation linear plot was used to compare the erythrocyte and lens metabolism. Results: Theconcentration of GSH and the activity of linked enzymes were found decreased with the progression of cataract, and also in comparison to the control. The same linear fashion was also observed in the erythrocytes. Conclusion: Depletion of GSH was the prime factor for initiating galactose cataract in the rat model. This depletion may in turn result in enzyme inactivation leading to cross-linking of protein and glycation. The correlation analysis specifies that the biochemical mechanism in the erythrocytes and lens is similar in the rat model.

Targeting CYP450 modulation to decrease the risk of induced cataract in the experimental model.

Background: Diabetes is one of the major causes of cataract. Some drugs prescribed for the treatment of diabetes are the modulators of CYP450, which may alter the risk of cataract. Objective: To study the effect of CYP450 modulation in galactosemic cataract. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley suckling rats were allotted to four groups (n = 6), as follows: Group 1: Normal control, Group 2: Galactose control, Group 3: CYP450 inhibitor pretreated and Group 4: CYP450 inducer pretreated. Cataract was induced in animals of all groups except group 1 by feeding them galactose (50%), 21 days after parturition. From the eighteenth day of life, CYP450 inhibitor (nifedipine; 8.1 mg/kg) and CYP450 inducer (pioglitazone; 3.8 mg/kg) were given orally to groups 3 and 4, respectively. The maturation pattern of the cataract was observed by an operating microscope, every third day. Biochemical changes in the lenses of all groups, for example, CYP450 activity expressed as µM NADPH oxidized / unit time, alterations in the levels of total proteins, soluble proteins, and reduced glutathione (GSH) following the induction of cataract, were estimated. Results: The microscopic examination of the lenses indicated that CYP450 inhibitor pre-treatment delayed (fourteenth day) the occurrence of cataract, while CYP450 inducer pretreatment demonstrated an early (ninth day) cataract as compared to galactose control rats (twelfth day). A significant decrease and increase in CYP450 activity was observed with the CYP450 inhibitor and inducer pre-treatment, respectively. There was no alteration in the GSH level, but a significant increase in total and soluble protein was found in groups 3 and 4 as compared to group 2. Conclusion: CYP450 may have a role in the initiation of cataract without any effect on the maturation pattern, as revealed by the delayed occurrence of cataract with the CYP450 inhibitor and an early onset of cataract with the CYP450 inducer.

Methotrimeprazine-induced Corneal Deposits and Cataract Revealed by Urine Drug Profiling Test

Two schizophrenic patients who had been taking medication for a long period presented with visual disturbance of 6-month duration. Slit-lamp examination revealed fine, discrete, and brownish deposits on the posterior cornea. In addition, bilateral star-shaped anterior subcapsular lens opacities, which were dense, dust-like granular deposits, were noted. Although we strongly suspected that the patient might have taken one of the drugs of the phenothiazine family, we were unable to obtain a history of medications other than haloperidol and risperidone, which were taken for 3 yr. We performed a drug profiling test using urine samples and detected methotrimeprazine. The patient underwent surgery for anterior subcapsular lens opacities. Visual acuity improved in both eyes, but the corneal deposits remained. We report an unusual case of methotrimeprazine-induced corneal deposits and cataract in a patient with psychosis, identified by using the urine drug profiling test.

Protective Effect of Catechin on Apoptosis of the Lens Epithelium in Rats with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced Cataracts

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of catechin on apoptotic cell death in the lens epithelium of rats with cataract. METHODS: Cataract was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) to ten day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. The neonatal rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=15 in each group): a control group, and four cataract-induction groups, treated with either 0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg catechin. We performed slit-lamp biomicroscopic analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, Western-blot for Bcl-2 and Bax, and immunohistochemistry for caspase-3. RESULTS: Apoptotic cell death in lens epithelial cells that increased following cataract formation in rats was suppressed by cathechin. CONCLUSIONS: Catechin inhibited cataract-induced apoptotic cell death in the lens epithelium and may prove useful for the prevention of cataract progression.

Preventive effect of onion juice on selenite-induced experimental cataract.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of onion juice on sodium-selenite induced cataract formation. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two 10-day-old Wistar-albino rat pups were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 received only subcutaneous saline injection. In Group 2, sodium-selenite (30 nmol / g body weight) was injected subcutaneously. In Group 3, subcutaneous sodium-selenite was injected and one drop 50% diluted fresh juice of crude onion was instilled every 8 h into the right eye for 14 days; the left eye received no treatment. Group 4 rats were similar to those of Group 3, the only difference being that of undiluted fresh juice of crude onion. The development of cataract was assessed. Rat lenses were analyzed for total antioxidant (TA) level, and for activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: Both eyes of all rats in Group 1 did not exhibit cataract formation . In Group 2, all rats developed Grade 3 cataract in the lenses of both eyes. The difference in exhibited cataract in the lens of the right eyes in all rats between Group 2 and any eyes of groups 3 or 4 were significant ( P = 0.001). The mean TA level and mean activities of SOD and GPX in Group 2 rat lenses were significantly lower than the values in lenses of all rats in Group 1 ( P = 0.001, 0.003, 0.001), and in the lenses of the right eyes of rats in Groups 3 and 4 ( P = 0.001, 0.020, 0.001). Conclusion: Instillation of onion juice into the rat eyes can effectively prevent selenite-induced cataract formation. This effect was associated with increased TA level, SOD and GPX activities in the lens.

Cataract occurrence in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs / Ocorrência de catarata em pacientes tratados com antipsicóticos

OBJECTIVE: Typical antipsychotic drugs, mainly phenothiazines, have been associated with cataract formation for over forty years. Recently, there has been a concern about atypical antipsychotic drugs' potential for inducing this lenticular pathology. Accordingly, we sought to determine the cataract rate and other ocular side effects in patients on long-term therapy with antipsychotic drugs. METHOD: Eighty outpatients with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia from two settings who met pre determined inclusion criteria were submitted to an ophthalmological evaluation for ocular abnormalities with emphasis in the lens and cornea. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 52) comprised patients who had been predominantly on typical antipsychotics for at least two years and group 2 (n = 28) patients who had been predominantly on atypical antipsychotics for at least two years. RESULTS: Cataract was found in 26 patients (33 percent) with predominance of anterior capsular cataract. The cataract rate among patients from group 1 (40 percent) was higher than among those from group 2 (18 percent). Visual acuity was reduced in 21 patients (26 percent). No changes were observed neither in the cornea nor in the retina. CONCLUSIONS: Patients using antipsychotic drugs should be submitted to a periodic ophthalmological evaluation.

OBJETIVO: Os antipsicóticos típicos, principalmente as fenotiazinas, têm sido associados à formação de catarata há mais de quarenta anos. Nos últimos anos, tem existido um questionamento acerca do potencial dos antipsicóticos atípicos de induzir essa patologia lenticular. Neste estudo, buscamos determinar a taxa de catarata e de outros efeitos oculares adversos em pacientes em uso de antipsicóticos a longo prazo. MÉTODO: Oitenta pacientes tratados ambulatorialmente com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia segundo o DSM-IV, de dois centros, que preencheram os critérios de inclusão pré determinados foram submetidos a uma avaliação oftalmológica para pesquisa de alterações oculares com ênfase no cristalino e na córnea. Eles foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo 1 (n = 52) era formado por pacientes que tinham usado predominantemente antipsicóticos típicos por pelo menos dois anos e o grupo 2 (n = 28) por pacientes que tinham usado predominantemente antipsicóticos atípicos por pelo menos dois anos. RESULTADOS: Catarata foi encontrada em 26 pacientes (33 por cento) com predomínio de catarata capsular anterior. A taxa de catarata entre os pacientes do grupo 1 (40 por cento) foi maior do que naqueles do grupo 2 (18 por cento). A acuidade visual estava reduzida em 21 pacientes (26 por cento). Não foram encontradas alterações nem na córnea nem na retina. CONCLUSÕES: Pessoas em uso de antipsicóticos devem ser submetidas à avaliação oftalmológica periódica.

Herbal Medication Aggravates Cataract Formation: A Case Report

We report a case of complicated cataract aggravated after taking herbal medication for atopic dermatitis. An 11-yr-old boy was referred for the evaluation of decreased visual acuity in both eyes for 2 months. Past history showed that he had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis when he was 1 yr old. He had been treated only with herbal medication for a period of 8 months prior to visiting our clinic. He had his visual acuity checked in a local ophthalmic clinic one year before, and the visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes at that time. When attending our clinic the ophthalmologic examination showed that his best corrected visual acuity was 20/200 in both eyes. Lenses of both eyes had severe posterior subcapsular and posterior capsular opacity. Phacoemulsification, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, and posterior continuous curvilinear capsulectomy were performed in both eyes. After 3 months postoperatively, the best corrected visual acuity was recovered to 20/20 in both eyes without any complication. Our case suggests that there may be a risk of aggravation of cataract or development of cataract after treatment with some unidentified herbal medication in a patient with atopic dermatitis.

Lead toxicity induced cataract - an experimental study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the lenticular changes after administration of different concentrations of lead acetate through stomach tube in albino rats. 60 male albino rats were involved in this study and equally divided into 4 groups [15 rats each]. Group I was used as a control group and the other three groups received lead acetate solution with doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/Kg daily for 4 weeks respectively. The results showed that the administration of lead acetate led to decrease in the concentration of the soluble lens protein and increase in lenticular deposition of lead element in lens homogenates. In addition, there was a migration towards higher molecular weight of lens protein, which demonstrated from column chromatography and Sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]. It is concluded that the intrusion of lead into the lens may alter soluble lens protein composition and causes protein conformational changes that decreases lens transparency, therefore enhancing the development of cataract

Luteinizing hormone-Releasing hormone analogue-Induced cataract in a patient with prostate cancer

To report a case of right posterior subcapsular cataract induced by 3-monthly depot luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [LHRH] analogue therapy in a patient with early prostate cancer. A 52-year-old male with static myopia of several years' duration was given a 3-month depot LHRH analogue [goserelin 10.8 mg] as part of neoadjuvant treatment for early prostate cancer. Four weeks after the treatment, the patient developed right posterior subcapsular cataract commonly associated with steroid treatment. The patient had right eye cataract extraction followed by insertion of a new lens. This report shows a case of a posterior subcapsular cataract as an adverse reaction to depot goserelin acetate. This is a feature commonly seen in steroid-induced cataract. Patients with prostate cancer and poor vision if due to cataract may not be ideal patients for depot preparations of LHRH analogues

Glutathione and associated enzymes in toxic cataractogenesis-selenite model.

Glutathione, gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (gamma -GCS) and glutathione reductase (GSH-R) activity were determined biochemically in the lens during various stages after subcutaneous administration of sodium selenite in multiple low dosages and single high dosages. The GSH concentration and gamma-GCS and GSH-R activity declined progressively after the selenite administration. The changes observed were discussed in relation to the possible role of selenite interaction with GSH and the enzymes.

Cumulative antioxidant defense against oxidative challenge in galactose-induced cataractogenesis in Wistar rats.

Natural dietary ingredients are known for their antioxidant activity. Of such, curcumin, the active principle of turmeric, at 0.01% in the diet proved as pro-oxidative in galactose-induced cataract in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E (VE), a well-known antioxidant, in combination with curcumin on the onset and maturation of galactose induced cataract. Periodic slit-lamp microscope examination indicated that in combination with vitamin-E, 0.01% curcumin (G-IV) delayed the onset and maturation of galactose-induced cataract. Biochemical analyses revealed that combined treatment of 0.01% curcumin and vitamin-E diet exhibited an efficient antioxidant effect, as it inhibited lipid peroxidation and contributed to a distinct rise in reduced glutathione content. The results indicate that natural dietary ingredients are effective in combination rather than the individual administration as they are complementing each other in reducing the risk of galactose induced cataract.

Effect of electroacupuncture to prevent selenite-induced cataract in Wistar rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da eletro-acupuntura na prevenção da catarata induzida por selenito de sódio em modelo experimental. MÉTODO: Cinqüenta filhotes de ratos Wistar foram randomizados em 5 grupos: no Grupo 1 (Controle, n=10) nenhum procedimento foi realizado. Grupo 2 (Selenito, n=10), selenito de sódio (30 µmoles/kg) foi injetado por via subcutânea no décimo dia de vida. No Grupo 3 (Anestesia, n=10), filhotes receberam a mesma dose de selenito e sofreram anestesia inalatória com éter etílico durante 10 minutos diariamente por 1 semana. Grupo 4 (eletro-acupuntura, n=10), os animais sofreram os mesmos procedimentos do Grupo 3, porém também receberam eletro-acupuntura (2 Hz, 50 mA) aplicada nos pontos Neiguan (PC 6) e Guangming (GB37) durante o período de anestesia. Grupo 5 (Sham, n=10), os ratos foram submetidos aos mesmos procedimentos que o Grupo 4, porém as agulhas foram aplicadas em pontos falsos. O desenvolvimento da catarata foi avaliado após uma semana por lâmpada de fenda. RESULTADOS: Todos os animais controles (Grupo 1) não desenvolveram catarata. Todos os ratos dos grupos 2, 3 e 5 desenvolveram catarata grave. No Grupo 4 (eletro-acupuntura), 45% dos olhos não desenvolveram catarata e trinta por cento desenvolveram catarata menos grave que aos Grupos 2, 3 e 5. A diferença entre os grupos foi estatisticamente significante (p<0,001). A média do grau de opacificação do cristalino nos Grupos 1 e 4 foi mais baixo que nos Grupos 2, 3 e 5 (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Eletro-acupuntura diminuiu a taxa de formação de catarata induzida por selenito em filhotes de ratos quando as agulhas foram aplicadas em pontos de acupuntura específicos.

Toxicidade ocular causada pelo tamoxifeno: relato de caso / Ocular toxicity caused by tamoxifen: case report

O objetivo desse trabalho é relatar um caso de toxicidade ocular pelo tamoxifeno. Para isso, aferiu-se a melhor acuidade visual corrigida de ambos os olhos em tabela de Snellen. Foram realizados biomicroscopia do segmento anterior, refração, oftalmoscopia, angiofluoresceinografia e retinografia numa paciente de 63 anos, sexo feminino, cor branca, em uso de tamoxifeno 20 mg/dia há 4 anos, com acuidade visual corrigida de 20/70 e 20/40. A biomicroscopia do segmento anterior apresentava ceratopatia verticilata e catarata nuclear e cortical posterior de 1+/4 em ambos os olhos. A oftalmoscopia, foi verificado alteração do brilho macular de ambos os olhos. E a angiofluoresceinografia mostrou hiperfluorescência na área macular em fase precoce (defeito em janela). Relata-se um caso de ceratopatia e maculopatia causadas pelo tamoxifeno.

Effect of ambroxol, spirulina and vitamin-E in naphthalene induced cataract in female rats.

Anticataract activity of Ambroxol, Spirulina and Vitamin E was examined using the naphthalene cataract model. Adult female albino rats of Wistar strain weighing between 180 and 220 grams were taken and divided into eight groups. Group I received light liquid paraffin 5 ml/kg/ day p.o. for 6 weeks. Group II received naphthalene solution 0.5 gm/kg/ day p.o. for first three days and 1 gm/kg/day p.o. thereafter for six weeks. Group III received Ambroxol suspension in 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day p.o. alongwith naphthalene. Group IV received Spirulina in distilled water at the dose of 1500 mg/kg/ day p.o. alongwith naphthalene. Group V received Vitamin E emulsion at the dose of 50 mg/kg/day p.o. alongwith naphthalene. Group VI received Ambroxol alone at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day p.o. Group VII received Spirulina alone at the dose of 1500 mg/kg/day p.o. Group VIII received vitamin E alone at the dose of 50 mg/kg/day p.o. Lens glutathione, soluble protein and water content profiles revealed the preventive role of Ambroxol, Spirulina and Vitamin E in naphthalene-induced cataract in female rats.

Use of inhaled corticosteroids and risk of cataracts: a case-control study

Exposure to systemic corticosteroids is known to be associated with a risk of cataract. This study was undertaken to determine the risk of cataract associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in old age. A case-control study consisting of 160 people with cataract [case] and 160 controls matched for age and sex was conducted at Shaheed Sadoughi and Shaheed Rahnemoon hospitals of Yazd. Data gathered via a questionnaire and interview and analyzed by SPSS, Chi Square and ANOVA tests. There was no difference in age and sex between the two groups of case and control. In case group, 22 [13.8%] and in control group 11 [6.9%] persons [total of 33 patients] used inhaled corticosteroids that was statistically significant [P-Value=0.042]. The odds ratio for the association between inhaled corticosteroids and cataract was 2.16 [95% CI 1.01 to 4.61]. After adjustment for systemic corticosteroid exposure, the Odds ratio rose to 4.73 [95% CI 1.51 to 14.82]. The association was stronger with increase in duration of use. This case-control study showed an association between use of inhaled corticosteroids and increased risk of cataract, especially the posterior sub capsular type. But, in order to confirm these findings, other studies including experimental ones and similar groups in respect to other risk factors of cataract are needed

Antioxidant effect of curcumin in selenium induced cataract of Wistar rats.

Wistar rat pups treated with curcumin, a natural constituent of Curcuma longa before being administered with selenium showed no opacities in the lens. The lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase enzyme levels in the lenses of curcumin and selenium co-treated animals were significantly less when compared to selenium treated animals. The superoxidase dismutase and catalase enzyme activities of curcumin and selenium co-treated animal lenses showed an enhancement. Curcumin co-treatment seems to prevent oxidative damage and found to delay the development of cataract.