Comparative study of serum Na(+ )and K(+ ) levels in senile cataract patients and normal individuals

Levels of Trace Elements in the Lens, Aqueous Humour, and Plasma of Cataractous Patients-A Narrative Review

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of effective vision loss. Although most cases of cataracts are related to the ageing process, identifying modifiable risk factors can prevent their onset or progression. Many studies have suggested that micro and macroelement levels, not only in blood serum but also in the lens and aqueous humour, may affect the risk of the occurrence and severity of cataracts. This systematic review aims to summarise existing scientific reports concerning the importance of trace elements in cataractogenesis. Many authors have pointed out elevated or decreased levels of particular elements in distinct ocular compartments. However, it is not known if these alterations directly affect the increased risk of cataract occurrence. Further studies are needed to show whether changes in the levels of these elements are correlated with cataract severity and type. Such information would be useful for determining specific recommendations for micronutrient supplementation in preventing cataractogenesis.

Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Cataract in a Large Taiwanese Population Study

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a known risk factor. In this study, we investigated the association between the risk of cataract with MetS and its components in a large-scale study. Data were derived from the Taiwan Biobank, and 121,380 individuals were included. The NCEP-ATP III criteria modified for use in an Asian population were used to define MetS and its components. The occurrence of cataract was identified through a standardized interview and self-reported questionnaire. Multivariable analysis showed that MetS (OR, 1.129; 95% CI, 1.0175−1.184; p < 0.001), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (OR, 1.057; 95% CI, 1.005−1.113; p = 0.032), and hyperglycemia (OR, 1.162; 95% CI, 1.108−1.218; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with cataract. Furthermore, a stepwise increase in the prevalence of cataract corresponding to the number of MetS components was found. The presence of three MetS components (vs. 0; OR, 1.103; 95% CI, 1.024−1.188; p = 0.010), four MetS components (vs. 0; OR, 1.137; 95% CI, 1.040−1.242; p = 0.005), and five MetS components (vs. 0; OR, 1.208; 95% CI, 1.059−1.378; p = 0.005) were significantly associated with cataract. In conclusion, significant associations were found between a high incidence of cataract with MetS and its components, including low HDL-cholesterolemia and hyperglycemia. Further, a stepwise increase in the prevalence of cataract corresponding to the number of MetS components was also found. The results of this study indicate that MetS may increase the development of cataract in Taiwan.

Correlation of aqueous humor electrolytes with serum electrolytes in cataract patients

Purpose:

To correlate the aqueous humor electrolytes with serum electrolytes in patients with cataract.

Methods:

In this study, 348 eyes of patients undergoing cataract surgery, who had presented between 1^st January 2019 and 30^th June 2020, were included. Serum electrolytes were obtained and 0.15 ml of aqueous humor was obtained during surgery using an insulin syringe via the side port incision. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyze all the categorical and continuous data including all the electrolytes levels. Pearson’s correlation of coefficient was used to analyze the comparison between serum and aqueous humor electrolytes. Student T-test was used to compare electrolyte values between the serum and aqueous humor.

Results:

We observed a significant correlation of the aqueous humor electrolytes with their serum counterparts. The coefficient of correlation is 0.155, 0.44, and 0.405 for Na+, K+, and Cl−, respectively. There is also a significant increase in the aqueous humor electrolytes as compared to the serum levels.

Conclusion:

A significant increase in electrolytes levels in the aqueous humor of cataract patients possibly could have a role in the etiology of cataract.

Diet and risk of visual impairment: a review of dietary factors and risk of common causes of visual impairment

Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma remain the leading causes of visual impairment in developed nations, resulting in a substantial treatment burden on sufferers and health care systems. Despite significant advances in diagnostic testing and therapeutics, population-based strategies to reduce the burden of these diseases remain limited. However, there is some evidence that these diseases may share overlapping risk factors, particularly in regard to dietary intake and antioxidant status, and it is thus possible that dietary modification may reduce both the prevalence and severity of these conditions. In particular, dietary intake of green leafy vegetables, hyperglycemia/glycemia index, and omega-3 fatty acid intake, as well as overall dietary patterns, may affect risk of one or more of these conditions. In this review, we analyse the evidence for dietary intake and the association with these conditions, and provide insights into possible modifications that may thus simultaneously reduce the risk of visual impairment from multiple causes, including improving dietary intake of green leafy vegetables and reducing dietary glycemic index, both of which have been associated with a decreased risk of multiple causes of visual impairment.

Hypertension potentiates cataractogenesis in rat eye through modulation of oxidative stress and electrolyte homeostasis

Purpose

To evaluate modes of cataractogenesis in the hypertensive state by using different hypertensive animal models, including fructose, cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), N_ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), and two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) method.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley albino rats (150–180 g) were divided into different groups, each group containing six animals. Hypertension was induced in animals via six weeks administration of fructose (10% solution in drinking water), CdCl₂ (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.), and l-NAME (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) in their respective groups and NaCl (0.9% solution in drinking water) in the 2K1C group. The Ramipril-treated group (2 mg/kg/day, orally) served as a standard group for the 2K1C animal model. Blood pressure was measured biweekly using non-invasive blood pressure system. The biochemical parameters in serum and eye lenses were evaluated after six weeks of the experimental protocol.

Results

Hypertensive animal models showed significant induction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and modulation of oxidative stress through depletion of antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and elevation of malondialdehyde in serum and eye lenses. A significant elevation of ionic contents (Na⁺ and Ca²⁺) and reduction of total protein and Ca²⁺ ATPase activity in eye lenses were observed in all hypertensive animal models except l-NAME when compared with the normal group. The significant restoration of the antioxidants, Malondialdehyde (MDA) total protein, and ionic contents in the eye lenses concomitant with reduction of blood pressure were observed in the ramipril-treated group as compared to the 2K1C animal model. The results indicate that the fructose, CdCl_2, and 2K1C models showed pronounced cataractogenic effects in the rat eye lenses.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, it can be concluded that systemic hypertension significantly increases the risk of cataract formation in the rat eyes via modulation of the antioxidant defense mechanism and electrolyte homeostasis.

Sodium Intake and Socioeconomic Status as Risk Factors for Development of Age-Related Cataracts: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Purpose

Cataract is a very prevalent ocular disorder, and environmental risk factors for age-related cataracts have been widely investigated. We aimed to evaluate an association of dietary sodium intake and socioeconomic factors with the development of age-related cataracts.

Methods

A cross-sectional case-control study based on the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary sodium intake was estimated using urinary sodium to creatinine ratio (U[Na⁺]/Cr).

Results

Among a total 12,693 participants, 2,687 (21.1%) had cataracts and 10,006 patients without cataracts served as controls. The prevalence of cataracts increased with age and quartiles of U[Na⁺]/Cr (p for trend < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that factors related to the development of cataracts were age ≥ 50 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 15.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.31‒17.69), low income (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.64–2.09), low educational attainment (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.57–1.96), and high sodium intake (U[Na⁺]/Cr > 16.4 mmol/mmol; aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.44). In a subgroup analysis, a robust effect on cataracts across U[Na⁺]/Cr quartiles was observed in patients ≥ 50 years of age (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.18), though not in younger patients (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96–1.17).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that high sodium intake and low socioeconomic status may affect the development of cataracts, and that a low-salt diet could be helpful for the prevention of cataracts in an older population. Furthermore, efforts to close gaps in health services due to socioeconomic factors may contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of cataracts.

Comparison of serum sodium and potassium levels in patients with senile cataract and age-matched individuals without cataract

Aim:

The study was to analyze mean serum sodium and potassium levels in cataract patients and age-matched individuals without cataract.

Methods and Materials:

It was a prospective case-control study. Individuals more than 50 years of age who attended our ophthalmic center in the year 2007-2010 were grouped into those having cataract and those without cataract. Mean serum sodium and potassium levels in the cataract groups were calculated and compared with the control group. Statistical software SPSS14 was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Mean serum sodium levels in cataract group was 135.1 meqv/l and 133 meqv/l in the control group. Mean potassium was 3.96 meqv/l in the case study group and 3.97 meqv/l in controls. Mean sodium levels among cases were significantly higher than control group. No difference was seen in the PSC group and control. The difference in mean potassium among the two groups was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

Diets with high sodium contents are a risk factor for senile cataract formation and dietary modifications can possibly reduce the rate of progression cataract.