[en] Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of changes of plasma ET and serum TNF levels after operation in patients with cataracts. Methods: Plasma ET and serum TNF levels were detected with RIA in 32 patients with cataracts both before and after operation as well as in 30 controls. Results: Before operation, the plasma ET and serum TNF levels in patients with cataract were significantly higher than those in controls (P<0.01). One month after operation the plasma ET and serum TNF levels dropped to within normal ranges (P>0.05). Conclusion: Plasma ET and serum TNF levels were closely related to the disease process of cataract and were of prognostic value. (authors)