Evidence of genotoxic damage in human cataractous lenses.

Lens epithelial fragments (tags) recovered from individuals during routine cataract extraction have been assessed for cellular changes reflective of genotoxic damage. A high percentage of tags exhibited a population of micronucleated and polyploid cells. The presence and number of micronuclei (MN) in the epithelia of cataract patients appears to be independent of age and sex. However, a large number of MN in the epithelial cells of some individuals strongly suggests a history of compromised genomic integrity. While the study was not designed to define the role of DNA damage in the development of cataracts or to monitor human populations at risk of exposure to exogenous mutagens/cataractogens, the potential of the methodology to address each is demonstrated.