Possible role of galactose-1-P-uridyl transferase activity deficiency in red blood cells in the development of the presenile and senile cataract.

The activity of red blood cells galactose-1-P-uridyl transferase in 64 patients with presenile and senile cataracts (nondiabetics) and in 41 age-matched controls was investigated. All control subjects examined have shown normal enzymatic levels, while 21.9% of patients with presenile cataracts and 21.7% of patients with senile cataracts presented a statistically significant reduced enzymatic activity (mean +/- 2 SD in controls).