Glucocorticoid-induced cataract in chick embryo monitored by Raman spectroscopy.

Glucocorticoid-induced cataract lens in chick embryo was monitored by laser Raman spectroscopy. The lens opacity that appeared in chick embryo is a reversible one. Raman spectra show no significant change in the relative content of water or secondary structure of the proteins upon lens opacification. The intensity ratios of tyrosine doublet bands in Raman spectra between clear and opaque lens portions are changes. This change is reversible, and is interpreted as a protein-water phase separation that occurred during lens opacification.