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Living with Cataract 11 multiple types

An eye condition in which the lens is cloudy from early in life, caused by changes in the PITX3 gene.

Understanding Cataract 11 multiple types

Cataract 11 is an early-onset cataract (clouding of the eye's lens) not linked to other syndromes and caused by a change in the PITX3 gene.

GARD describes it as non-syndromic, which means it is not part of a wider syndrome. GARD lists clouding of the lens that is present at birth among the common signs.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Clouding of the lens at birth (developmental cataract)
  • Clouding of the eye's lens (cataract)
  • Abnormally small eyeball (microphthalmia)
  • Blindness

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can PITX3 genetic testing confirm the diagnosis?
When might cataract surgery be needed to protect vision?
How might this affect other family members?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive

A change in the PITX3 gene causes this condition. It may be inherited in an autosomal dominant way, where one changed gene copy can cause it, or an autosomal recessive way, where a child gets a changed copy from each parent.

Also known as: cataract 11; cataract 11, syndromic, autosomal recessive; ctrct11; early-onset non-syndromic cataract caused by mutation in pitx3; pitx3 early-onset non-syndromic cataract

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Cataract 11 multiple typesGARD ID 10228 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Cataract 11 multiple types.

Explore the Cataract 11 multiple types blog

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