Living with Early-onset non-syndromic cataract
An inherited eye condition with cloudy lenses (cataracts) in both eyes, present at birth or early childhood, without other body systems affected.
Understanding Early-onset non-syndromic cataract
The cataracts are usually in both eyes, look the same in each eye, and do not get worse over time. Some people also have other eye differences, such as small corneas or eyes, gaps in the eye structure (colobomas), shaking eyes (nystagmus), or nearsightedness. Other organs and body systems are usually not affected.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition separately, but the summary describes these features:
- Cloudy lenses (cataracts) in both eyes
- Cataracts present at birth or early childhood
- Eye shaking (nystagmus) in some people
- Small cornea or small eye size in some people
- Nearsightedness in some people
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- 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
Quick facts
GARD says changes in a person's genes cause this condition. It can be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked.
Also known as: age-related nuclear cataract; nuclear sclerosis of the lens
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Early-onset non-syndromic cataract.
Explore research for Early-onset non-syndromic cataract
Explore actively recruiting Early-onset non-syndromic cataract studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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