Oxidative Damage and the Prevention of Age-Related Cataracts

Abstract

Purpose: Cataracts are often considered to be an unavoidable consequence of aging. Oxidative damage is a major cause or consequence of cortical and nuclear cataracts, the most common types of age-related cataracts. Methods: In this review, we consider the different risk factors, natural history and etiology of each of the 3 major types of age-related cataract, as well as the potential sources of oxidative injury to the lens and the mechanisms that protect against these insults. The evidence linking different oxidative stresses to the different types of cataracts is critically evaluated. Results: We conclude from this analysis that the evidence for a causal role of oxidation is strong for nuclear, but substantially lower for cortical and posterior subcapsular cataracts. The preponderance of evidence suggests that exposure to increased levels of molecular oxygen accelerates the age-related opacification of the lens nucleus, leading to nuclear cataract. Factors in the eye that maintain low oxygen partial pressure around the lens are, therefore, important in protecting the lens from nuclear cataract. Conclusions: Maintaining or restoring the low oxygen partial pressure around that lens should decrease or prevent nuclear cataracts.

Free Radicals: Properties, Sources, Targets, and Their Implication in Various Diseases

“…It is characterized by opacity of the eye lens that reduces the amount of incoming light and results in visual impairment [173]. Although a number of factors such as genetic factors, diabetes, aging, smoking, drugs, malnutrition, radiation (xrays and UV rays) and alteration in both endocrine and enzymatic equilibrium have been implicated in cataract formation [175], the free radical induced oxidative stress is considered as one of the major underlying mechanism of cataract disorder [176]. Oxidation of proteins, lipids and DNA is seen in cataract lenses.…”

Vitreous levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and the radical-scavenger α1-microglobulin/A1M in human rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

“…cataract of the lens [17][18][19], diabetic retinopathy [20][21][22], and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [23][24][25]. Recent findings indicate that oxidative stress may also play a role in experimental retinal detachment (RD), and that ROS scavenger treatment can attenuate RD-related photoreceptor death [26,27,28].…”

Glutathione S-Transferase GSTM 1, Null Genotype May Be Associated With Susceptibility to Age-Related Cataract

“…It is believed that oxidation is a very early or initiating event in the overall process of events leading to cataract formation [3,5]. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be a common underlying mechanism of cataractogenesis, and augmentation of the antioxidant defenses of the ocular lens has been shown to prevent or delay its occurrence.…”

“…Oxidation-reduction mechanisms have special importance in the eye. Oxidative damage has important role in the development of glaucoma, cataract and other eye diseases by resulting in a number of molecular changes in the eye [3,5,6,27]. The peroxidative damage to the lens cell membranes and biomolecules, induced by the lack of reductive detoxification of phospholipid hydroperoxides, has been proposed as a triggering mechanism of cataractogenesis.…”