Effect of Blood Supply on the Development of Cataracts

Abstract

The initial cataract in galactose-fed rats is just about as likely to appear in one eye as in the other. The left side is favored to a slight extent. Following unilateral carotid ligation galactose-fed rats develop cataracts on the side with the better blood supply and hence, the higher galactose supply. This is interpreted as indicating that galactose produces cataracts by acting at the level of the eye. The initial cataract in diabetic rats appears on the left side about 52% of the time. Changing the blood supply to the eyes by unilateral carotid ligation does not affect the development of diabetic cataracts. In this way diabetic cataracts are different from galactose cataracts. It is suggested that high glucose levels, therefore, are not directly responsible for cataract production and that cataracts may be the result of a lack of insulin.