Overview
Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract is a hereditary eye condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy (a cataract) during childhood. The cloudiness specifically affects the outer layer of the lens, called the cortex. Because this condition follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, only one copy of the changed gene (from one parent) is needed to cause the condition. Children with this type of cataract may notice blurry vision, difficulty seeing clearly, or sensitivity to light. The severity can vary — some children have mild cloudiness that does not significantly affect vision, while others may have more significant lens opacity that interferes with daily activities like reading or schoolwork. It is important to note that this Orphanet entry (306561) is now classified as OBSOLETE, meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader or updated classification of hereditary cataracts. Patients and families searching for this condition may find more current information under broader categories such as 'isolated hereditary cataract' or 'autosomal dominant cataract.' Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens (intraocular lens implant), followed by visual rehabilitation. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye), which can develop if a cataract blocks clear vision during the critical years of visual development in childhood.
Key symptoms:
Cloudy or white appearance in the pupil of the eyeBlurry or hazy visionDifficulty seeing clearly at a distance or up closeSensitivity to bright light or glareSquinting or closing one eyeDifficulty reading or seeing the board at schoolPoor depth perceptionMisaligned eyes (strabismus)Lazy eye (amblyopia) if untreatedNeeding to hold objects closer to see them
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is my child's cataract, and how much is it affecting their vision?,When is the best time to have cataract surgery for my child?,What are the risks and benefits of surgery at this age?,Will my child need glasses or contact lenses after surgery?,Is there a risk of amblyopia, and how will it be managed?,Should we pursue genetic testing to identify the specific gene involved?,What is the chance that my other children or future children will also have cataracts?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract
What is OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract?
Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract is a hereditary eye condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy (a cataract) during childhood. The cloudiness specifically affects the outer layer of the lens, called the cortex. Because this condition follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, only one copy of the changed gene (from one parent) is needed to cause the condition. Children with this type of cataract may notice blurry vision, difficulty seeing clearly, or sensitivity to light. The severity can vary — some children have mild cloudiness that does not significant
How is OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract inherited?
OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Autosomal dominant childhood-onset cortical cataract is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.