Purpose

To evaluate whether the level of carnitine in human lens is affected by development of cataract.

Material and methods

The study covers 52 cases of cataract lenses extracted by ECCE. The nucleus of each lens was analyzed according to the level of total and free carnitine. The amount of cataract was determined by the microscopic and ophthalmoscopic examination. Cataracts were divided into 3 groups depending on the advanced degree of cataract.

Results

It was possible to find statistically significant difference in mean carnitine level of total and free carnitine between lenses with mature cataract and lenses with partial cataract. This level was lower approximately by 30% in the lenses with dense opacification. This could be another proof for protective role of carnitine in development of human cataract and could trigger more research on the subject of its supplementation in patients in older age.