Hereditary cataracts in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

A new type of hereditary cataract was predicted in the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) by the presence of syndactyly of the hind feet. Early morphologic changes were found in the equatorial cells that differentiated into new lens fibers. Later swelling at the anterior and posterior poles of these cells produced lens opacities. Anterior and posterior subcapsular cataracts progressed to a hypermature shrunken lens.