Determination of risk factors for cataract by aldose reductase genotype

A method for detecting increased risk of developing cataract in an individual of Chinese descent having non-insulin dependent diabetes, said method comprising:

• amplifying a Z2 allele of an aldose reductase gene in a nucleic acid sample from said individual using primers comprising SEQ ID NO:
• 1 or SEQ ID NO:
• 2 whereby amplified sequences are obtained;
• hybridizing said amplified sequences under high stringency conditions with a probe comprising a detectable label, wherein said probe comprises a sequence that hybridizes to said Z2 allele;
• and screening for said detectable label, wherein presence of said Z2 allele is indicative of increased risk of developing cataract.

A method for detecting increased risk of developing cataract in an individual of Chinese descent having non-insulin dependent diabetes, said method comprising:

• amplifying a Z4 allele of an aldose reductase gene in a nucleic acid sample from said individual using primers comprising SEQ ID NO:
• 1 or SEQ ID NO:
• 2 whereby amplified sequences are obtained;
• hybridizing said amplified sequences under high stringency conditions with a probe comprising a detectable label, wherein said probe comprises a sequence that hybridizes to said Z4 allele ;
• and
• screening for said detectable label, wherein absence of said Z4 allele is indicative of increased risk of developing cataract.

A method for detecting decreased risk of developing cataract in an individual of Chinese descent having non-insulin dependent diabetes, said method comprising:

• amplifying a Z2 allele of an aldose reductase gene in a nucleic acid sample from said individual using primers comprising SEQ ID NO:
• 1 or SEQ ID NO:
• 2 whereby amplified sequences are obtained;
• hybridizing said amplified sequences under high stringency conditions with a probe comprising a detectable label, wherein said probe comprises a sequence that hybridizes to said Z2 allele;
• and
• screening for said detectable label, wherein absence of said Z2 allele is indicative of increased risk of developing cataract.

A method for detecting decreased risk of developing cataract in an individual of Chinese descent having non-insulin dependent diabetes, said method comprising:

• amplifying a Z2 allele of an aldose reductase gene in a nucleic acid sample from said individual using primers comprising SEQ ID NO:
• 1 or SEQ ID NO:
• 2 whereby amplified sequences are obtained;
• hybridizing said amplified sequences under high stringency conditions with a probe comprising a detectable label, wherein said probe comprises a sequence that hybridizes to said Z2 allele;
• and screening for said detectable label, wherein absence of said Z2 allele is indicative of increased risk of developing cataract.