Study of Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels in Senile Cataract Patients in PBM Hospital

Durva Garg, Dr. R. K. Vyas

Abstract: Introduction: The crystalline lens, responsible for focusing light on the retina, relies on electrolyte balance for maintaining transparency. Alterations in serum sodium and potassium levels have been implicated in lens opacity and cataract formation. Current study aims to assess these alterations in senile cataract patients in PBM Hospital, Rajasthan. Objectives: 1) To estimate serum sodium and potassium levels in senile cataract patients. 2) To compare these levels with age - matched healthy controls. 3) To analyze role of these electrolytes in cataractogenesis. Materials and Methods: Case - control, hospital - based 200 subjects (100senile cataract patients, 100age and sex - matched controls). Diagnosed cases of senile cataract, aged 45?70years. Serum sodium and potassium levels measured using an automated electrolyte analyzer. Results: Demographics: Mean age of patients: 57.54?7.98 years. Male - to - female ratio in cases: 52: 48. Serum Electrolyte Levels: Significantly elevated in cataract patients (143.15 ? 1.54 mEq/L) compared to controls (139.47?8.86 mEq/L) (p<0.0001). Potassium: Decreased in cataract patients (4.19?0.99mEq/L) versus controls (4.35 ? 0.53 mEq/L), but difference was not statistically significant (p=0.07). Correlations: Positive correlation between sodium and potassium levels (r=0.2955; p=0.0026). Insignificant correlations between sodium, potassium, and chloride or calcium levels. Discussion: Findings highlight a significant elevation in serum sodium levels among cataract patients, aligning with earlier studies suggesting that increased dietary sodium intake might contribute to cataractogenesis. Potassium levels showed no significant variation, indicating that sodium might play a more critical role in altering lens permeability. Conclusion: Elevated serum sodium levels are a potential risk factor for senile cataract development. Monitoring and dietary modifications could mitigate this risk. Further studies should evaluate interplay of other electrolytes and their cumulative impact on lens health.

Keywords: serum sodium, potassium levels, senile cataract, electrolyte balance, cataractogenesis