Oil Droplet

Oil Droplet Cataract
  • 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.