Age-related cataract and serum albumin concentration.

OBJECTIVE

Searching for new factors which might be important in age-related cataractogenesis. A possible association between serum albumin concentration and age-related cataract has already been recognized, but their relationship is not quite apparent.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-section study on 157 age-related cataract patients and 55 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Blood for analyses was taken under the same conditions in all individuals. Serum albumin concentration was measured by a colorimetric method. Findings were interpreted according to their age, and in cataract patients, related to the main opacities found. Statistical data were obtained by t-test, Spearman's rank coefficient correlation, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

A significant difference between measured serum albumin in the cataract and control group has not been found. In cataract patients, serum albumin concentration was significantly negatively associated with their age (65 and onward, compared to younger cataract patients) (p = 0.007). In comparison with the nuclear form of lens opacity, patients with mixed opacity had significantly lower serum albumin (p = 0.041). The patients' gender and secondary age-related diseases did not significantly alter serum albumin concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related cataract is a slowly progressive disease, and its appearance probably reflects the cumulative action of numerous causative factors over decades of life. Serum albumin concentration seems to be important in cataract development in some age-related cataract patients.