Overview
Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract is a rare inherited 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, known as the cortex. Because this condition follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, a child must inherit a changed (mutated) copy of the responsible gene from both parents to develop the disease. Parents who each carry one copy of the gene change typically have clear vision themselves and may not know they are carriers. This condition is now classified as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet database, meaning it has likely been reclassified or merged into a broader category of inherited childhood cataracts. Childhood cataracts, regardless of the specific subtype, can cause blurred or reduced vision, difficulty with glare, and in some cases may lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated early. The degree of vision loss depends on how much of the lens is affected and how quickly the cataract progresses. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens, often followed by placement of an artificial lens implant or the use of corrective glasses or contact lenses. Early detection and treatment are important to support normal visual development in children. With timely surgery and appropriate follow-up care, many children can achieve good functional vision. Long-term monitoring by an eye specialist is essential to watch for complications such as secondary cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye problems that can occur after surgery.
Key symptoms:
Cloudy or white appearance in the pupil of the eyeBlurred or hazy visionDifficulty seeing in bright light or glare sensitivityReduced vision in one or both eyesTrouble with depth perceptionSquinting or closing one eyeMisaligned eyes (strabismus)Lazy eye (amblyopia) if untreatedDifficulty reading or seeing the board at schoolNystagmus (involuntary eye movements) in severe cases
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive 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 recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract.
Start the conversation →Latest news about OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract
No recent news articles for OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
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 much of my child's lens is affected, and how is this impacting their vision?,When is the best time to perform cataract surgery for my child?,What type of lens correction will my child need after surgery?,What are the risks and potential complications of surgery?,Should we pursue genetic testing to identify the specific gene involved?,What is the chance that our other children or future children could have the same condition?,What support services are available to help my child succeed in school?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract
What is OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract?
Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract is a rare inherited 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, known as the cortex. Because this condition follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, a child must inherit a changed (mutated) copy of the responsible gene from both parents to develop the disease. Parents who each carry one copy of the gene change typically have clear vision themselves and may not know they are carriers. This condition is now classified as '
How is OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract inherited?
OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Autosomal recessive childhood-onset cortical cataract is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.