Age-related cataracts is a pressing health issue with the increase in elderly populations. This creates an imminent demand for the development of an early, noninvasive method of cataracts diagnosis. Early detection of cataracts will improve quality of life and may prevent morbidity associated with advanced cataracts and surgery. Raman spectrum of proteins provides characteristic information regarding molecular interactions of peptide residues. Hence Raman spectroscopy is a promising tool for the study of protein-related diseases, such as cataracts. We surveyed the literature to assess the use of Raman technology in the studies of human lens and animal models. These studies included analysis of amino acids (i.e., cysteine, tryptophan, and tyrosine, etc.) and secondary protein structures (i.e., α-helix and β-sheet) in various Raman profiles. Other studies used Raman spectroscopy to analyze and monitor the development of cataracts in lens. Technological advances in the instrumentation of laser Raman spectroscopy, including Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, and confocal Raman microspectroscopy have improved the performance of Raman spectroscopic analysis. How to take advantage of these developments and make it closer to reality using Raman spectroscopic methods to diagnose cataracts in a timely manner is a key challenge for the scientific community of Raman spectroscopy.
