Reversal of galactose cataract with Sorbinil in rats.

Sorbinil, a potent aldose reductase inhibitor, can effectively block the progression of a galactose cataract even though the cataractous process is well underway. The prevention of dulcitol accumulation by Sorbinil is just as effective in reversing the cataract as the removal of galactose from the diet. The progression and reversal of the cataract were followed by ophthalmoscopy and histology. The results also further support the concept that in galactosemia the cataract is not caused by the toxic effects of galactose per se but by the consequence of the aldose reductase reaction.