Recent developments in the areas of cataracts, in both systemic diseases and syndromes, include the association of lenticular autofluorescence with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Animal studies have shown that aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aldose reductase inhibitors prevent diabetic cataracts. Aldose reductase inhibitors have crossplacental and breast milk-mediated lens effects in galactosemia rats. Gene-linkage analysis studies have brought researchers closer to the genes that are responsible for Alport's syndrome and myotonic dystrophy. Many syndromes have been reported to be new associations with cataracts. Chromosomal abnormalities have been identified in association with cataracts, thus providing a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cataracts in complex syndromes.