Posterior subcapsular cataract

Posterior subcapsular cataract

Category(ies): Cataract

Contributor: Mahsaw Motlagh, MD

Photographer: Nicole Radunzel

A 53-year-old female with a past medical history of Type 1 diabetes mellitus presented for blurry vision in her left eye. On exam, she was noted to have granular lenticular opacities adjacent to the posterior capsule of the natural crystalline lens in the right eye. A diagnosis of posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) was made. Factors such as diabetes mellitus, chlorpromazine use, or corticosteroids increase the risk of PSC formation. [1] In comparison to other cataract types, glare and decreased near acuity may be more common presenting symptoms. These types of cataracts are best viewed with slit lamp biomicroscopy retroillumination; care should be taken to achieve line of focus on the posterior capsule, or the cataract can be readily missed.