Mimicking cataract-induced visual dysfunction by means of protein denaturation in egg albumen

Abstract

Received XX Month XXXX; revised XX Month, XXXX; accepted XX Month XXXX; posted XX Month XXXX (Doc. ID XXXXX); published XX Month XXXX As the world's population ages, cataract-induced visual dysfunction and blindness is on the increase. This is a significant global problem. The most common symptoms of cataracts are glared and blurred vision. Usually, people with cataract have trouble seeing or reading at distance or in low light and also their color perception is altered. Furthermore, cataract is a sneaky disease as it is usually a very slow but progressive process, which creates adaptation so that patients find it difficult to recognize. Moreover, for the doctors it can be very difficult to explain and give comprehensive answers to the patients' symptoms. We built and tested an optic device that uses egg albumen to mimic the optical degradation of the crystalline related cataracts and that is able to visualize how the cataract impairs vision. At best of our knowledge, it is the first experimental system developed at this aim. This can be a valuable tool, which can be of help in education for students in medical sciences as well as to provide a method to illustrate the patients how their vision is affected by cataract progression process.

Variable and reversible opacification process on IOLs for cataract simulation

“…The vision through the IOL with various opacification levels was captured using the artificial eye model we designed according to ISO 11979-2 standards [13] using a scleral rigid gas permeable contact lens and an IOL immersed in distilled water [12]. To objectively quantify the degradation of vision, several assessments were done.…”

“…This process uses basic materials such as acetone and distilled water. We conducted simulations to assess visual outcomes in individuals with cataracts, employing an artificial eye model [12] and a chemical process on intraocular lenses. By repeating the same method on one side of the IOL, it was also possible to assess the vision with a progressive PCO.…”