Oxidation, antioxidants and cataract formation: a literature review

PURPOSE: This review aims to provide a literature survey of the association between photo-oxidation of lens proteins and lipid peroxidation with the genesis of age-related cataract in laboratory studies using rodent models, in epidemiological and interventional studies in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Medline search using initial search terms lens, oxidation, antioxidant, and diet was employed to search for research papers covering the areas noted above from 1995 to 2005. Literature cited in those papers was also reviewed to provide as comprehensive a coverage of research work as possible. RESULTS: Lens protein photo-oxidation and lipid peroxidation are widely acknowledged as important steps in age-related cataractogenesis. Dietary antioxidants are central in retarding cataractogenesis, although most evidence for this is gained from laboratory-based work on relatively unphysiologic rodent cataract models, using antioxidant regimes that could not be sustained in clinical practice. Most research in humans is retrospective epidemiology although some interventional research has been undertaken, with mixed results. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary antioxidants are likely to be important in retarding cataractogenesis in older animals and in humans. Work on companion animals could provide a valuable stepping stone between rodent-based laboratory work and human interventional studies.