Objective: To evaluate the prevention of selenite cataract with taurine.
Methods: A prior injection of taurine was given intraperitoneally to Wistar rats 2 days before the selenite challenge and a following daily injection of taurine was needed until the experiment was finished. All of the rats were examined under a split-lamp microscope on selected days.
Results: 0.5% taurine showed no effect on lenses, 1%, 2% and 4% taurine could delay the development of nuclear opacity, and 2% and 4% taurine could also delay the development of cortical opacity.
Conclusions: Taurine can prevent the development of selenite cataract. Its effect is dose-dependent.