LENS EXTRACT

Abstract

In 1927, we¹reported on the preparation of lens extract and its crystalline fractions. In more recent papers²we have gone into further detail concerning the preparation and purification of these fractions. No mention has been made of the use of lens extract, either as a therapeutic or as a diagnostic agent, although it has previously been used by several other workers. Römer³used lens extract by mouth, and Davis⁴by subcutaneous injection, as a therapeutic agent in the treatment for cataract. In 1922, Verhoeff and Lemoine⁵described endophthalmitis phaco-anaphylactica, and announced the indications for treatment with lens protein for this specific condition. Their conclusions were later sharply challenged by Rotth,⁶and these objections were later replied to by Verhoeff. Berens and his co-workers⁷reported observations on several patients with hypersensitivity to lens extract who were treated by injections of such extract