Macro- and microelements in the cataractous eye lens.

This investigation included the determination of Na, K, Ca, Mg and Zn in lens and aqueous humor of cataract patients. Along with the development of senile cataract the Na concentration increased, while the K concentration diminished. In the cataractous eye lenses the concentration of Ca and Zn were higher than in normal transparent lenses. The concentrations of the investigated elements, except for Zn, were higher in lenses than in aqueous humor of the same patients. The concentration of Na and Zn in aqueous humor decreased as compared to the values for normal healthy persons. The Ca and K concentrations in aqueous humor were similar to the values for healthy persons. Investigations of electrolyte composition of the lens would be valuable for understanding the genesis and developmental mechanism of senile cataract.