Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels in Senile Cataract Patients and Age ? Matched Normal Individuals

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the mean sodium and
potassium levels in patients with senile cataract and age-matched normal
individuals in Kashmir.
Material and Methods: The study was designed as cross sectional
observational study. 200 senile cataract patients scheduled for cataract surgery
in the Department of Ophthalmology and 200 individuals of the same age group
without cataract were selected. Mean serum sodium and potassium levels in the
senile cataract group were calculated and compared with the control group.
Serum sodium and potassium levels were measured by flame photometry
technique. Statistical software SPSS-16 was used and means were compared
between two groups by t-test. Since the study was a non interventional one,
clearance was given by the department and study abides by the guidelines laid
in the declaration of Helsinksi.
Results: Mean serum sodium level in senile cataract patients and normal
individuals was 139.60 ± 5.23 mEq/L and 137.15 ± 2.93 mEq/L respectively and
there was statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). Mean serum potassium
level in senile cataract patients and normal individuals was 4.35 ± 0.574 mEq/L
and 4.31 ± 0.45 mEq/L, and the difference was not statistically significant (p =
0.60).
Conclusion: Serum sodium level in senile cataract patient was higher as
compared to the control group. This outcome might suggest that increased
dietary intake of the sodium leads to higher levels of serum sodium which in turn
influences the cataractogenesis in senile patients.
Keywords: Cataract, risk factors, sodium, dietary.