Estimation of Serum Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) In the Age Related (Senile) Cataract: a Case Control Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to estimate the serum Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) level, in the development of Age Related (Senile) Cataract, a common cause of curable blindness globally, especially in India. Materials and methods: This was a case control study in the age group of 45-70 years with 100 patients of age related cataract and 100 age matched normal patients as a control group with estimation of the level of vitamin C in the serum of the study group and the control group. Results: Serum ascorbic acid values were 0.54 ± 0.23 mg/dL (30.68 ± 13.07 umol/L) in senile cataract and 0.83 ± 0.35 mg/dl (47.16 ± 19.89 umol/L) in controls with a statistical difference between the cases and controls showing a significant decrease in the level of vitamin C in the serum of age related cataract patients compared with the control group. Conclusion: The present study with the low levels of Vitamin C in serum of age related cataract than in controls shows that the reduced antioxidant status defence mechanism due to the reduced serum Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may play a role in the development of the senile cataract.