Alteration in glutathione metabolism during cataract progression.

Human cataractous lenses obtained from eye relief camp showed decreased levels of sulphydryl and glutathione. Significant depletion in activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was also encountered. These findings indicated an impairment in glutathione metabolism of the mature cataractous lenses as compared to immature lenses, and oxidative stress could be considered as a primary event in this process.