The calcium and magnesium content of the human lens and aqueous humour. A study in patients with hypocalcemic and senile cataract.

Previous observations of raised calcium content in mature senile cataract are confirmed in the present study. Also human hypocalcemic cataract showed increased amounts of calcium in accordance with previous observations in animals. On the other hand, the magnesium content of the lens was not influenced by cataract development. The calcium aqueous/serum ratio was similar in all examined groups (normal, hypocalcemic-, incipient-, and mature senile cataract), whereas the corresponding magnesium ratio was elevated in the cataract patients. This observation may indicate a possible connection between magnesium metabolism and the development of cataract.