C. M. L. Hutnik

Cataracts in systemic diseases and syndromes.

&NA; The last 12 months of ophthalmic literature contained considerable research into the diabetic cataract. Transient, reversible cataracts were described in patients with subclinical diabetes, one of which reported the interesting association of a unilateral cataract with the ingestion of margaritas or citrus juices. Extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation was shown to cause the development or progression of background diabetic retinopathy. Other metabolic diseases including hyperprolactinemia, hyperornithinemia, and sorbitol dehydrogenase deficiency have also been associated with cataracts. Research into the clinical findings of Alports syndrome and Lowe syndrome has further defined these entities. Finally, many chromosomal abnormalities have been excluded or included in the pathogenesis of cataracts, thus providing clues to their genetic basis.