A 1-year-old child is diagnosed with bilateral cataracts secondary to galactosaemia. Which type of cataract morphology is classically seen in galactosaemia?
- A Oil-droplet cataract (lamellar cataract with central oil-droplet appearance) ✓
- B Posterior subcapsular cataract
- C Nuclear cataract
- D Anterior polar cataract
Correct answer: A. Oil-droplet cataract (lamellar cataract with central oil-droplet appearance)
Explanation
Galactosaemia causes an 'oil-droplet' cataract with a lamellar (zonular) pattern, appearing as a central round opacity with the characteristic oil-droplet reflex on retroillumination. Galactose-1-phosphate accumulates and is converted to galactitol via aldose reductase in the polyol pathway; galactitol cannot be metabolised and accumulates in the lens fibers causing osmotic swelling and opacity. Early dietary restriction of galactose can prevent or reverse the cataract.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.