Congenital cataract: etiology and morphology

In a study of congenital cataract in northern India, 76 patients (146 eyes) were evaluated for morphological patterns and etiology. Partial cataracts were found to be three times more common than total cataracts, the lamellar types being the most common among the partial cataracts. Hereditary cataracts had a 19.7% incidence. The majority (46.05%) of cases of congenital cataract were of idiopathic origin. A few cases were associated with metabolic disorders (Marfan's and Marchand's). Strabismus and nystagmus were the most common associated ocular abnormalities (28.94% and 15.79%), and mental retardation was the most commonly associated systemic abnormality. Rubella cataract was seen far less frequently than expected.