[New biochemical models for cataract research].

In recent years, it has been suggested that reactive oxygen species are involved in the genesis of cataracts. To elucidate the basic reaction mechanisms underlying these processes and the influence of drugs, we developed simple biochemical model reactions. The purpose was to simulate cataractogenic processes and to document the effects of potential "anticataractous" drugs in vitro. Application tests allowed us to quantify the penetration rates and the enrichment processes of iodidecontaining drugs. Our results document the ability of KI to inhibit photodynamic reactions and related cataractogenic processes, such as lipid and sulfhydryl oxidation, as well as the structural changes of the lens proteins.