Analysis of individual cataract patients and their lenses: A progress report

We are engaged in a continuing study of cataract patients and a control population matched for age and sex, in which epidemiological, ophthalmological, medical and other data is being collated and statistically processed by S.P.S.S. (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). We report some confirmation of several significant differences found previously between our cataract and control populations, including the levels of several plasma constituents and the use of certain drugs. We also report some new data, including an increased risk of cataract to individuals without clinical diabetes whose fasting blood glucose is elevated above the normal range, and also an increased risk to individuals whose blood pressure is elevated above the normal range. Protein profiles from individual cataractous lenses are compared after grouping the lenses according to the full slit lamp description and other features, and we also present a further report on some biochemical differences observed between cataracts of similar appearance but different aetiology.