To investigate the relationship between axial length, myopia of the eye, and the severity of lens opacity at the time of cataract surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 198 eyes of patients aged older than 50 years at Fukui University Hospital (Fukui, Japan) from June 2004 to December 2005. Patient age at the time of surgery, axial length, spherical equivalent, and the subtypes and severity of cataract (as classified according to the modification of the Lens Opacities Classification System, version III) were recorded. Results: Axial length was significantly associated with age at the time of cataract surgery (PϽ.001). Regarding the severity of nuclear cataract, a significant correlation was seen between a higher score of nuclear cataract and longer axial length (PϽ.001). The relationship between the severity of nuclear cataract and spherical equivalent at the time of surgery showed a significant association between grading nuclear color and nuclear opalescence 4-6 and higher myopia (PϽ.001). Conclusion: An increase in axial length or myopia of the eye was associated with a lower mean age at the time of surgery and higher grade of nuclear cataract.

These findings suggest that oxidative stress contributes to nuclear cataract formation and that a local decrease in Prdx6 in cataractous lenses may indicate the initiation of age-related cataract formation.

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