Effect of Lid Closure in Drug-Induced Experimental Cataracts

Abstract

Acute lens opacities produced in rodents by chlorpromazine, morphine and related narcotics, and epinephrine alone or combined with ergamine acid phosphate were prevented by closure of the eyelids. The cause of these cataracts is primarily dehydration through the exposed cornea, although other factors contribute to the formation of the opacity. These lens opacities should be carefully differentiated from toxic lens opacities in humans. In future acute experimental cataract investigations, consideration of the effect of lid position on cataract formation is necessary to avoid invalid conclusions.