Volume : 8, Issue : 3, March - 2019

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SERUM ELECTROLYTES IN SENILE CATARACT PATIENTS AND IN NORMAL INDIVIDUALS

Dr. S. Aruna, Dr. N. Santhi

Abstract :

Background: Cataract refers to opacification of crystalline lens in the human eye. Age is the strongest known non-modifiable risk factor for cataract formation. One of the proposed risk factors for cataract formation is rise in serum sodium level. Though ageing cannot be prevented, physiological changes that occur in electrolytes can be modified. Aim: To compare serum electrolyte levels in senile cataract patients with those without cataract. Materials and Methods: . Serum electrolytes were estimated in Fifty senile cataract patients and age matched Fifty healthy people without cataract by using an electrolyte analyzer . Results: We noted significant (p<0.0001) rise in sodium levels in cases (143.41±1.69 meq/l) compared to controls (138.7±1.66 meq/l) and chloride levels (p<0.0001) in cases (103.47±3.48 meq/l) compared to controls (99.38±2.65 meq/l). Serum potassium levels were significantly low in cases (4.07±0.46) compared to controls (4.31±0.45) (p=0.0126). Conclusion: Serum sodium and chloride levels are elevated in senile cataract patients. So, dietary salt restriction may delay the cataract formation