title: The molecular basis of cataract formation.
abstract: The theoretical and experimental basis for the transparency and opacification of the lens is reviewed. The microscopic mechanisms so far established which produce cataract are discussed. The use of quasielastic light scattering spectroscopy to measure in vivo the diffusivity of proteins and to sensitively detect the earliest stages of cataract formation is described.
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003459:Crystallins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008958:Models, Molecular; D012031:Refractometry; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
chemical_list: D003459:Crystallins