Developmental cataract in congenital ichthyosis

A teenage boy who was previously diagnosed to have congenital ichthyosis presented to the eye clinic with complaints of gradually decreasing vision in both eyes since childhood. The best-corrected distance visual acuity was 20/125 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed developmental cataracts in both eyes. He underwent cataract surgery in the right eye and visual acuity improved to 20/25. Hence, we conclude that congenital ichthyosis can be associated with developmental cataracts. Cataract surgery helps in restoring vision in those with visually significant cataracts.