Cataracts in myotonic dystrophy

Myotonic dystrophy is a unique form of muscular dystrophy which is associated with a variety of ocular manifestations. Perhaps the most noteworthy of these is the distinctive myotonic cataract which often appears early on in the course of the disorder. In this report, a seemingly healthy young man who presented for routine visual examination was found to have specific lenticular changes suggestive of myotonic dystrophy. Other signs of this condition, including the myotonic facies, restrictions of ocular motility, and the myotonic handshake, were not readily apparent. Although visual acuity was not dramatically impaired, the unusual nature of the lens opacities, and in particular the presence of brilliant polychromatic particles, called for a neurologic consultation which promptly confirmed the diagnosis.