Cataract Review of Integrating Pathogenic Mechanisms, Experimental Models, and Therapeutic Development

Cataract, characterized primarily by lens opacity, is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Current studies indicate that oxidative stress represents its principal pathogenic mechanism, while other contributing factors include Hyperglycemia and Hypertension, ionizing radiation, drug-induced effects, and genetic mutations. Surgical intervention remains the primary clinical treatment; however, due to the severity of surgical complications, non-surgical pharmacological approaches have emerged as an alternative and important strategy. This review summarizes recent advances in the prevention and treatment of cataract through a framework organized around "mechanisms–animal models–pharmacotherapy", elaborating on five major aspects: antioxidants, aldose reductase inhibitors, advanced glycation end-product inhibitors, and enhancement of protein solubility. It emphasizes the importance of multi-target comprehensive interventions to alleviate the burden of cataract.