Inherited defects in enzymes of cholesterol metabolism and use of drugs which inhibit lens
cholesterol biosynthesis can be associated with cataracts in animals and man. The basis of
this relationship apparently lies in the need of the lens to satisfy its sustained requirement for
cholesterol by on-site synthesis, and impairing this synthesis can lead to alteration of lens
membrane structure. Lens membrane contains the highest cholesterol content of any known
membrane. The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, mevalonic aciduria, and cerebrotendinous …