Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and cataract of patients in northern Sardinia.

We determined the activity level of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in 467 patients with cataract from northern Sardinia. Of 226 men, 18 (8%) had glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Of 241 women, 30 (12%) were heterozygous and two (1%) were homozygous for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. These prevalences were not significantly different from those expected in the general population. We concluded that patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency do not have a higher risk of developing cataract.