Abstract

Prem Prakash Jain, Alok Vyas* and Sonal Sogani

ABSTRACT

Cataract is the opacification of crystalline lens in the human eye. Age is considered as one of the strongest known risk factor for cataract formation. One of the most important risk factors for cataract formation is serum sodium and serum calcium, although serum potassium is inconclusive. Though ageing cannot be prevented, any physiological changes that occur in electrolytes can be modified. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the changes in the levels of serum electrolytes and serum calcium in senile cataract patients and its comparison with non cataract patients. Material and Methods: Sixty patients (60) with senile cataract within the age of 55 years to 75 years as study group and 60 healthy subjects without cataract within the age of 55 years to 75 years as control group visiting the ophthalmic OPD of Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Udaipur (Raj.) and were selected for the study. This is the case-control hospital based study. Blood samples collected were estimated for serum sodium, serum potassium, serum calcium and serum glucose. Comparison between both the groups was done by Student’s t-test. Study group includes 37 females and 23 males patients. In the control group, there were 42 females and 18 males. The levels of serum glucose, urea and creatinine were also measured in order to rule out diabetes and kidney malfunction in both study and control groups. Results: The level of serum sodium was elevated with highly significant difference (p<0.001) in senile cataract patients as compared to control group. The level of serum potassium though elevated in study group as compared to the control group but the difference was not significant (p<0.05). Serum calcium was elevated in senile cataract group with highly significant difference (p<0.001) as compared to control group. Conclusions: Our study concluded that the increased levels of serum sodium and serum calcium may be considered as markers of senile cataract formation. The salt restricted diet is advisable in cataract patients so as to maintain normal electrolyte balance which may prevent further progression of disease.