Commonly seen in patients with galactosemia (a recessively inherited inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism).
Accumulation of dulcitol (galactose reduction product) within the lens cells leads to increased intracellular osmotic pressure and fluid influx into the lens.
Clinical Features
Symptoms: decreased vision depends on the severity of the cataract
Signs:
Bilateral lens changes
Zonular or nuclear opacity with increased refractive power of the nuclear portion causes an "oil droplet" appearance on retroillumination
Lenticular myopia
May progress to total opacification of the lens if the systemic condition is left untreated
Management
Remove galactose from the diet
Avoid all milk products to prevent the progression of cataract and mental retardation.