HAEMOSTASIS AND LENS OPACITY: INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HAEMOSTATIC PARAMETERS AND CATARACT FORMATION

Abstract

Cataract is a leading cause of treatable or avoidable blindness worldwide, particularly in older adults. While traditionally considered an ocular pathology, emerging evidence indicates that systemic factors, including disturbances in haemostasis, may contribute to cataract formation. This review systematically examines 15 clinical studies investigating haemostatic parameters such as platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen levels in relation to cataractogenesis. Key findings indicate that elevated mean platelet volume (MPV), shortened PT/aPTT, and increased plasma fibrinogen are associated with lens opacity. However, most studies are cross-sectional, heterogeneous in design, and vary in haemostatic measurement methods. Limitations include small sample sizes and potential confounding from systemic diseases. Understanding the interplay between coagulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and ocular microcirculation may enhance early identification of patients at risk and inform preventive strategies for cataract formation. Keywords: Cataract, Haemostasis, Platelet count, Prothrombin time, Activated partial thromboplastin time, Fibrinogen, Coagulation