Oxidative stress which may result from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defense mechanisms may damage the lens and predispose it to senile cataract development. This study compared oxidative stress and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels in immature and mature senile cataract compared to the controls. In this environment such data is apparently scarce. A total of 120 age matched subjects divided into 3 groups of no cataract, immature and mature cataract were studied. Plasma uric acid, total and conjugated bilirubin, albumin, Total Antioxidant Potential (TAP), Total Plasma Peroxide (TPP) as well as oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured and values expressed as the mean±SD. Mature cataract group had significantly decreased levels of plasma albumin, uric acid and TAP compared to immature and no cataract groups (P<.0.05). While levels of plasma total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, TPP as well as OSI levels in mature cataract group were increased compared to levels in immature and no cataract groups (P< 0.05) This study shows overriding effect of OS over and above the antioxidant potential of endogenous antioxidants in senile cataract patients. It is still hard to say if these modified antioxidant parameters are causal or the effect of OS in senile cataract.
