Metabolic Cataract

Metabolic cataract is lens opacification secondary to systemic metabolic disease. Types: diabetic cataract (snowflake opacity in uncontrolled diabetes), galactosemic cataract (infants with galactosemia), hypocalcemic/tetany cataract (from hypoparathyroidism), and myotonic-dystrophy cataract. Treatment: control underlying metabolic disease; lens extraction for visually significant cataract.

Common Symptoms

Painless progressive vision loss; lens opacity; associated diabetes/galactosemia/hypocalcemia/myotonic dystrophy

Causes and Pathogenesis

Osmotic/biochemical changes from hyperglycemia/galactose/hypocalcemia accumulate in lens, causing protein denaturation and opacification.

Treatment

Control underlying metabolic disease; cataract surgery for visually significant opacity

Preventive Measures

Control diabetes; treat galactosemia/hypocalcemia; ophthalmologic screening.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Ophthalmology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.