Investigations on trace elements in normal and senile cataractous lenses. Activation analysis of copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, rubidium, scandium, and nickel.

A total of 125 human lenses (97 senile cataractous and 28 clear) were analyzed by means of neutron activation analysis for trace element concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, rubidium, scandium, and nickel. Tt was found that the rubidium concentration remarkably decreased and the copper concentration moderately increased with the progression of cataract. The concentrations of manganese, zinc, and cobalt showed some fluctuations without a definite increase or decrease, and the scandium and nickel content was found to be very low.