Abstract

PURPOSE: To report a case of Unilateral idiopathic Christmas Tree Cataract.
METHODS: A 70-year-old male presented with DOV in BE since 1 year. No history of ocular trauma. No known comorbidities. Patient underwent complete ocular and systemic evaluation.
RESULTS: BCVA in RE was 6/36 and LE was 6/24, IOP in RE- 14mmHg and in LE 15mmHg. On SLE- RE showed multiple glistening polychromatic needle shaped highly reflective lenticular opacities in deep cortex and LE showed SIMC ,NS grade 2,PSCC. BE Fundus examination was WNL. Systemic examination -no evidence of neuromuscular deficit. Patient underwent BE cataract surgery. Post op VA BE 6/12.
CONCLUSION: Christmas Tree Cataract is typically idiopathic but most commonly associated with AD Myotonic Dystrophy. There is accelerated breakdown of denatured proteins induced by increased calcium levels in lens. These cataracts are not visually significant but they can progress and impair vision.