cortical opacities

Cataracts, Congenital Zonular Pulverulent 3

Clinical Characteristics
Ocular Features: 

Bilateral dust-like lens opacities are diagnosed at a median age of 5 years but have been seen at 6 months of age.  These affect the embryonal, fetal, and infantile nucleus and are often surrounded by snowflake- or needle-like opacities throughout the lens cortex.  The dust-like particles may be multicolored and impart a haze to the lens.  Evidence for progression is suggested by the fact that about half of such affected patients require cataract surgery as adults.  No other ocular abnormalities are present.

There is considerable phenotypic heterogeneity.

Systemic Features: 

No systemic abnormalities are associated.

Genetics

Heterozygous mutations in GJA3 (13q11) seem to be responsible for the opacities.  For another somewhat similar form of autosomal dominant congenital cataract see Cataracts, Congenital Zonular Pulverulent 1 (116200).

Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant
Treatment
Treatment Options: 

Visually significant cataracts may be removed.

References
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