Role of some biochemical changes in congenital cataract

ABSTRACT

This study was done on 25 infants with congenital cataract aging 3-18 months and their parents. Another group of 14 infants of same age with no ophthalmic and/or congenital diseases were included as control group with their parents. All cases and their parents were examined clinically and ophthalmologically. Levels of galactose, serum sodium and potassium were determined. A significant elevation was found in blood galactose, in infants with congenital cataract as compared with control group, while no significant changes in blood galactose levels of their parents as compared with parents of control group. Significant elevation of serum sodium in infants with congenital cataract as compared with control group, while no significant change in serum sodium levels of their parents as compared with parents of control group. Significant decrease of serum potassium infants with congenital cataract as compared with control group, while no significant change in serum potassimn levels of their parents as compared with parents of control group. Early valuable genetic counseling, with estimation of galactose, sodium and potassium are recommended. Infants with congenital cataract had different etiological causes, so not all cases need restriction of milk and milk products. Parental estimation of galactose, sodium and potassium had no value