ASSESSMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN CATARACT

Introduction: In spite of the progress made in surgical techniques for cataract removal all over the world during last ten years; still age related cataract remains the leading cause of visual impairment. The etiology of cataract is multi-factorial and oxidative damage is one of the causes. Aim: To estimate oxidative stress by markers like enzymatic antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxiation product Malondialdehyde (MDA) in age related cataract (ARC) subjects and compare them with healthy control subjects. Materials and Methods: This case control study was performed in 100 subjects divided into 2 groups - 50 subjects with age related cataract and 50 age and gender matched healthy controls. Oxidative stress was assessed by estimation of erythrocytic SOD and serum MDA. Results: Serum MDA levels were significantly high and erythrocytic SOD levels were significantly low in age related cataract than controls (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in these parameters in subjects with different subtypes of age related cataract. Conclusion: Oxidative stress with increased oxidants and decreased antioxidants defense mechanism participate in the etiopathogenesis of age related cataract. So, decrease in oxidative stress may be beneficial in the delaying the progression of age related cataract.